Pope, at Palm Sunday Mass, says cross is sign of Christ's love

Published: 2004-04-05

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The cross of Christ is a sign of pain and glory, of Christ's love for humanity and of his victory over death, Pope John Paul II said on Palm Sunday. "On the cross, Jesus died for each one of us," he said in his homily April 4 during the Mass in St. Peter's Square. To the singing of "Hosanna," priests carrying olive branches and young people carrying tall, leafy green palm branches processed to the altar where Pope John Paul sat holding a braided palm. The Mass also marked World Youth Day, and thousands of young people from around the world joined the pope for the celebration. Pope John Paul told the youths not to be afraid to proclaim the Gospel of the cross in every circumstance.

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