VATICAN CITY, APRIL 17, 2011 (Zenit.org).- After celebrating Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square today, Benedict XVI greeted the crowds in several languages before praying the traditional midday Angelus.
In English, he said:
I welcome all the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors here in Rome this Palm Sunday, as the whole Church sings «Hosanna» to the Son of David, commemorating Our Lord’s solemn entry into Jerusalem in the days leading up to his passion and death. In a special way I greet all the young people present and I look forward to celebrating World Youth Day in Madrid this summer with many thousands of others from around the world.
Concluding his greetings in Italian, he said:
And now we turn in prayer to Mary, asking her to help us to Holy Week with intense faith. Understanding the prophecies, Mary too exulted in the spirit when Jesus entered Jerusalem in royal procession; but her heart, like that of the Son, was ready for sacrifice. Let us learn from her, the faithful Virgin, to follow the Lord even when his way leads to the cross.
Angelus Domini …
