Pope Francis has arrived at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he will preside over the Paschal Vigil Mass.
The Mass on Holy Saturday is the longest in the liturgical year. The pope’s absence on Good Friday from the Stations of the Cross in the Colosseum was explained by the Vatican as a concern to “preserve” his health ahead of Saturday’s Mass.
The solemn Mass is preceded in the vestibule of the Vatican Basilica by the rite of dedication of the fire and preparation of the paschal, a large candle symbolizing the Risen Christ. This will be followed by a procession with the paschal candle to the main altar.
During the Mass, the pope will baptize eight adults: four from Italy, two from South Korea, and one each from Albania and Japan.
Several thousand people have gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The solemn Mass is preceded in the vestibule of the Vatican Basilica by the rite of dedication of the fire and preparation of the paschal, a large candle symbolizing the Risen Christ. This will be followed by a procession with the paschal candle to the main altar.
During the Mass, the pope will baptize eight adults: four from Italy, two from South Korea, and one each from Albania and Japan.
Several thousand people have gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica.
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