Pope Benedict XVI's Holy Week schedule

(April 04, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI initiates on Thursday the Easter Triduum, the three most Holy days that prepares for Christ’s triumphant rising from the dead on Easter, Christianity’s greatest feast. On Holy Thursday, the German Pontiff who turns 85 on April 16, will celebrate a morning Chrism Mass with the clergy of Rome’s Diocese in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, and later in the afternoon will lead the Mass of the Lord’s Supper in St. John Lateran Basilica, during which, he will kiss and wash the feet of 12 men, in a gesture celebrating Jesus’ humility towards his apostles on the night before he died. On Good Friday, the only day in the liturgical calendar without a Mass in commemoration of the crucifixion and death of Jesus, the Pope will lead an afternoon liturgical celebration of the Lord’s passion in St. Peter’s Basilica, before leading an evening torch-lit “Way of the Cross” around Rome’s ancient Colosseum. Holy Week culminates on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus. Pope Benedict will lead the Easter vigil Mass Saturday night in St. Peter’s Basilica and the following morning will lead Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square and deliver his twice-yearly “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city of Rome and to the world) message, blessing and Easter greetings in numerous languages.