Benedict XVI's Holy Week Schedule

The Pope will preside at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 11, in St. Peter's Basilica, and at Easter Sunday Mass on April 12 at 10:15 in St. Peter's Square.

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VATICAN CITY (Zenit) - The Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff published the calendar of ceremonies to be presided over by Benedict XVI during Holy Week.

On Sunday, April 5, the Pope will preside at the Palm Sunday celebrations, which also coincides with the 24th World Youth Day. The theme for the youth event is "We Have Placed Our Hope in the Living God." The liturgy will begin at 9:30 a.m. in St. Peter's Square with the blessing of palms, then the procession and Mass.

The Holy Father will preside at two liturgies on Holy Thursday, April 9. At 9:30 a.m. he will celebrate the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica, and at 5:30 p.m. he will celebrate the Mass of the Lord's Supper. This liturgy will mark the Easter Triduum of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection.

On Good Friday, April 10, Benedict XVI will preside at the celebration of the Passion of Our Lord at 5 p.m. in St. Peter's Basilica. At 9:15 he will lead the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.

The Pope will preside at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 11, in St. Peter's Basilica, and at Easter Sunday Mass on April 12 at 10:15 in St. Peter's Square.

At midday on Sunday the Pontiff will deliver the blessing "urbi et orbi," to Rome and the world, from the central loggia of the Vatican Basilica.