Palm Sunday 2025: Celebrations that marked the beginning of Holy Week in the world

On Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, was celebrated with processions, mass masses and solidarity gestures that reflect the diversity and vitality of the Christian faith in different contexts.

Here some of the most prominent celebrations.

1. The procession of Las Palmas in Jerusalem

On Palm Sunday in Jerusalem he was celebrated with an emotional procession that departed from Betfagé and descended through the Mount of Olives to the Church of Santa Ana, touring the same steps that Jesus made in his triumphant entrance to the city. The faithful, carrying palms and olive branches, sang songs and prayers, remembering the cheers of the people who received Christ as king.

The procession was attended by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa; the Franciscan custodian of the Holy Land, Fray Francesco Patton; and representatives of various Christian confessions.

At the end of the procession, Patriarch Pizzaballa directed words of breath to the faithful, remembering that the cross is not a symbol of death: “Jesus’ passion is not the last word of God about the world. The resurrected is his last word.” In addition, he urged Christians of the Holy Land to keep the flame of faith alive amid the difficulties.

2. Palm Sunday in the Plaza de San Pedro with the reappearance of Pope Francis

Pope Francis reappeared briefly in the Plaza de San Pedro this Sunday of Palm, greeting the faithful and wishing them a good Holy Week, in their third public appearance since he was discharged from the Gemelli Hospital on March 23. Although he did not preside over the Mass due to his convalescence, his presence was enthusiastically received by those present. The celebration was chaired by Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Vice Dean of the Cardenalicio College.

The Mass began with the traditional procession of Las Palmas. During the homily prepared by the Pope, he reflected on the contrast between the festive reception to the Messiah and his subsequent conviction. With this liturgy, the Vatican officially began to Holy Week.

3. More than 13,000 young people come out in the torch procession in Lourdes

On April 13, more than 13,500 young people from the eight dioceses of the region of the island of France participated in a pilgrimage in Lourdes. In the Basilica of San Pío X, Mons. Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris, presided in the afternoon the Mass of Palm Sunday, marking a central moment of the celebration. At night, at 9:00 pm, the great procession of Mariana torches, a solemn and festive act that was broadcast live was carried out.

4. Priest celebrates Palm Sunday for homeless people in the Philippines

On April 13, Father Flavie Villanueva celebrated Ramos Domingo Mass with the street inhabitants and relatives of victims of the war on drugs at the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Center in Manila. During the liturgy, he invited those present to reflect on the suffering of Jesus and to find hope in his resurrection, encouraging not to let their stories end in despair.

“Let’s let Jesus’ history be renewed in us. Let us listen to what the Holy Spirit whispers us through its history. That burns in our hearts,” he said.

The center, founded in 2015, provides support for homeless people and families of victims of extrajudicial executions, offering food, clothing, education and psycho -aspiritual assistance.

5. Antonio Banderas participates in the procession of the Brotherhood of Tears and Favores

The actor Antonio Banderas participated, as is tradition every Palm Sunday, in the procession of the Malaga Brotherhood of Tears and Favores, where he exercises as a butler.

Before the departure, Banderas told Efe that “the Holy Week of the 21st century must be supportive.” According to the actor, the world lives difficult times and Holy Week, organized around cities and neighborhoods, can play a fundamental role, especially in places where public institutions do not arrive.

Banderas expressed his enthusiasm for the procession, which last year was suspended by rain. However, he emphasized that the most significant thing for him is the work of the Tears and Favores Foundation, which offers support to society throughout the year, and that the procession is only a reflection of its commitment.