During this Passiontide, the Church takes us to Jerusalem. After completing his three-year ministry, the Lord Jesus enters the Holy City in triumph. Imitating King Solomon, who rode on an ass into the city of his father for his coronation, Jesus also enters the City of David on a donkey.

The people hail him as king, announce him with messianic chants of hosanna, and throw their clothing and palms at his feet. It was a startling experience, especially to the religious elders who sought to preserve an equilibrium with the occupying Roman authorities.

On Passion Sunday and Good Friday many, perhaps most, churches have a dramatic presentation of the Gospel depictions of the Passion of Jesus. The congregation is forced to identify with the enemies of Jesus 2,000 years ago by crying out, "Crucify him!"

When I have been the celebrant at those Masses, I have felt relieved that my role exempts me from that call, since the priest gets to play Jesus.

The life at the Shrine and the meaning of this 2019 dedicated to the young Soubirous in the interview with Father Nicolas Brouwet as the pilgrimage season officially takes off.

The activities and challenges of the small Catholic community, the prospects opened up by the Abu Dhabi Declaration, the Church's commitment in favor of young people in the interview with the Archbishop of Karachi.

Following is the full transcript of the Pope's March 31 in-flight press conference from Rabat to Rome:

Pope Francis: I am thankful for your company, the trip, your work. It was challenging because one day and a half and so many things, right? And thank you for your work and now I am at your service.

Alessandro Gisotti: Clearly, as always, as is tradition, we start with the local media. Siham Toufiki, do you want to ask the question in English, as you like.

As Francis’ trip to Morocco approaches, the expectations of the Catholic community and of the local people, the coexistence with Muslims, the future of inter-religious dialogue, the care of the poorest, in the interview with Cristobal Lopez Romero.

Today, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us …” (John 1:14)

The Word of God, incorporeal, incorruptible and immaterial, entered our world [Luke 1:28-38]. Yet it was not as if he had been remote from it up to that time. For there is no part of the world that was ever without his presence; together with his Father, he continually filled all things and places.

The Story of the Annunciation of the Lord

Pope Francis’ trip to Morocco at the end of March - specifically to Rabat where he will hold several meetings, including King Mohammed VI, migrants, local authorities, priests – takes us back to the first papal presence in this country: that of John Paul II, in 1985, at the time of King Hassan II.