Pope Benedict XVI’s Holy Week schedule

(March 28, 2012) The Vatican on Tuesday released the full schedule of liturgical events at which Pope Benedict XVI will preside during Holy Week and Easter. On Palm Sunday, April 1, Pope Benedict will preside at the blessing of palms, followed by Mass in St. Peter’s Square and World Youth Day ceremonies. On Holy Thursday, April 5, the Pope will concelebrate the Chrism Mass in the Vatican basilica with the cardinals, bishops, and priests in Rome. Later in the day he will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the basilica of St. John Lateran. On Good Friday, the Pope will preside at the reading of the Passion, adoration of the Cross, and Communion in the Vatican basilica. In the evening he will travel across town to the Roman Coliseum for the Stations of the Cross. On Holy Saturday, the Pope will lead the Easter Vigil liturgy in the Vatican Basilica. On Easter Sunday morning, he will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” message from the loggia of the basilica.