Pope Francis celebrates the Solemnity of Corpus Christi
(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Thursday observes the liturgical feast of Corpus Christi celebrating Mass in front of the Patriarchal Basilica of Saint John Lateran, and symbolically leading the traditional procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the nearby Basilica of St. Mary Major.
As the Prefect Emeritus of the Congregation for Divine Worship, Cardinal Francis Arinze explains, whilst in many communities the Corpus Christi celebration is transmitted to the following Sunday, the Vatican liturgical calendar has stayed true to tradition and marks the Solemnity on the Thursday after Holy Trinity Sunday.
As he did last year, after Mass Pope Francis will travel by car to St. Mary Major where he will await the procession led by Cardinal Vicar Agostino Vallini. Here he will receive the Blessed Sacrament and lead the Benediction.
Listen to Cardinal Francis Arinze speaking to Vatican Radio: