The heart of Holy Week has opened on Thursday as Pope Leo XIV celebrated the Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica, warning against the abuse of power and the desire for domination. Before cardinals, bishops and hundreds of priests, the pontiff blessed the oils to be used across Rome during baptisms, confirmations and the anointing of the sick, while urging Catholics to choose service over force.
Later that day, in Rome at the Archbasilica of St John Lateran, he marked the traditional Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper, where he washed and kissed the feet of 12 priests.
