Archbishop of Canterbury leads Palm Sunday celebrations ahead of Easter
Pope Francis pulled out of his annual speech at the Vatican
Last updated 24th Mar 2024
The Archbishop of Canterbury has led celebrations across the UK as Christians mark Palm Sunday.
Most Rev Justin Welby led the procession of palms across the grass of St Phillip's Church in Maidstone on the first day of Holy Week, which finishes with Easter celebrations.
During the service, Mr Welby blessed the palms laid by the congregation to mark the holy event, as well as preaching to the crowd that had gathered outside the church.
The day signifies Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, where crowds - excited to see the prophet - laid palms on the ground so that he would not be walking on the ground, as recorded in the Bible.
Mr Welby will be focusing on the local community in Maidstone in the run-up to Easter, visiting local community projects, as well as businesses and churches.
Speaking on the occasion, the archbishop said: "Christian faith is rooted in the history of Jesus and particularly the story of Holy Week and Easter.
"This is the most important week of the Church year - because the events we remember and celebrate make us who we are."
However, in the Vatican, Pope Francis opted not to address the public as he joined thousands of Catholics to mark the holy day.
The Pope, currently aged 87, also chose not to take part in the procession of cardinals at the beginning of the ceremonial Mass, due to having bad knee problems.
Followers had expected the pontiff to deliver a speech to the congregation in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, but after a few seconds of silence, the Pope announced he would not be giving an address.
In total, some 25,000 people gathered in the square of the micronation, as the Pope began Catholic celebrations for Holy Week.
The Argentinian religious figure will be visiting a women's prison in Rome on Thursday to partake in the ritual of washing feet, with hundred of followers expected to undertake similar tasks as part of their faith.