"Pope Francis' Unusual Decision: Skipping Palm Sunday Homily Amid Busy Holy Week"

Pope Francis skipped delivering his homily during Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, citing frail health due to bad knees and respiratory problems. Instead, he pronounced prayers and offered a long appeal for peace, praying for the victims of the Moscow concert hall attack, the people of Ukraine, and Gaza. With a busy Holy Week ahead, including the traditional washing of the feet ritual and presiding over the Way of the Cross procession, the 87-year-old pontiff's health will be tested. This comes after battling a case of flu, bronchitis, or a cold throughout the winter, prompting occasional speech readings by an aide.