Pope Francis marks Holy Thursday with 1800 priests.

Pope Francis celebrated Holy Thursday by presiding over a chrism Mass with over 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals in St. Peter's Basilica. During the Mass, the pope highlighted the vital presence of the Holy Spirit in the ministry and life of every priest. He also blessed the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the chrism oil, which will be used in the diocese during the coming year. The pope gifted a book to the priests at the Mass by René Voillaume called “La Segunda Llamada” (The Second Call) and urged the clerics to leave the initiative to the Holy Spirit and show their willingness to serve wherever and however they are asked.