In Jerusalem, Palestinian Christians observe scaled-down Good Friday rituals
Jerusalem AP Hundreds of Christians participated in a customary Good Friday procession through the limestone walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, commemorating one of the faith’s most sacred days with noticeably thinner crowds amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The procession, which normally draws thousands of foreign visitors, was unusually local — mostly Palestinian Christians, joined by some […]
Pope skips Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum to preserve health, Vatican says
Rome, Italy AP Pope Francis skipped the traditional Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum to protect his health, the Vatican said, adding to concerns about his frail condition during a particularly busy liturgical period. Francis had been expected to preside over the Way of the Cross procession, which re-enacts Christ’s Passion and crucifixion, and composed the meditations […]
Pope, looking strong, washes feet of 12 women at Rome prison from his wheelchair
Rome, Italy Reuters Pope Francis looked well as he washed and kissed the feet of 12 women prisoners on Thursday at a traditional ritual on the first of four event-filled days leading to Easter for the 87-year-old pontiff. Francis travelled to Rome’s Rebibbia prison, in a run-down area on Rome’s outskirts, to preside at a […]
South Africa bus crash kills 45 Easter pilgrims, Transport Ministry says
Reuters A bus crash in South Africa’s northern province of Limpopo resulted in 45 deaths and one serious injury, South Africa’s Department of Transport said on Thursday. The driver lost control and collided with barriers on a bridge near Mamatlakala, causing the bus to go over the bridge and hit the ground, catching fire, according […]
Pope, looking healthy, begins busy four days leading to Easter
Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis looked well as he began four intense days of events leading to Easter on Thursday, and renewed his own ordination vow on the day the Roman Catholic Church marks Jesus’s founding of the priesthood the night before the crucifixion. Francis, who recently curtailed his speaking engagements because of fatigue related […]
King Charles praises “hand of friendship” in Maundy Thursday message
London, UK Reuters King Charles III, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has praised people who “extend the hand of friendship, especially in a time of need”, and echoed the pledge to serve the nation that the British monarch made at his coronation last year. Charles delivered the remarks in a recorded message which will […]
Essay: Easter 2024 in the Holy Land – a holiday marked by Palestinian Christian sorrow
RONI ABUSAAD, a human rights scholar and Christian Palestinian who grew up in Bethlehem, reflects on what Easter looks like for some this year…
Pope appears in better health ahead of busy Easter schedule
Vatican City Reuters Pope Francis, whose frail health has been a growing source of concern in recent weeks, appeared in better shape on Wednesday ahead of a busy Easter week schedule. The 87-year-old pontiff read out in full pre-prepared texts for his weekly audience, rather than delegating an aide to read most of them, as […]
Britain’s King Charles III, undergoing cancer treatment, to attend Easter service
London, UK Reuters Britain’s King Charles III will attend the Easter Sunday service at St George’s Chapel in Windsor, in what will be his first public appearance at a traditional royal event since his cancer diagnosis was revealed in February. Buckingham Palace said on Tuesday that Charles, 75, and his wife Queen Camilla will attend […]
UK cathedral continues medieval tradition of ‘Alban buns’ at Easter
Norwich, UK If it’s Easter, then it’s time for hot cross buns, those sweet-spiced slightly sticky treats which have become a key element of the celebration in the UK and many parts of the world. Millions are sold every year – but only in one place is it possible to buy the nearest replica of the […]