Skip to content

PHOTOS: Holy Thursday chrism Mass at the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV presides over a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026 | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Chrism Mass includes the blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated a chrism Mass at the Vatican on April 2, his first as pope after being elected as supreme pontiff in May 2025. 

The Mass included the traditional blessing of the holy oils that will be used throughout the year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders.

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV presides over a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV presides over a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV breathes over oil during a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV greets clergy at a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV greets clergy at a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Clergy raise their hands in prayer during a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV presides over a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Chrismaria stand in a line at a chrism Mass at the Vatican on Holy Thursday, April 2, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News.

This article was originally published by EWTN News English.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

I agree that EWTN will keep me informed about news, faith stories and how to best support their work. You will never receive e-mails from us that you do not want to receive. You can unsubscribe any time. For more information on how to unsubscribe, our privacy practices, and how we are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy, please review our Privacy Policy.

More news related to this article

Catholic Church statistics: Catholic population declines in Europe, grows in rest of the world

The Catholic population in Europe declined by nearly half a million in 2022, but continued to grow in

Pope Francis Appoints Salesian as President of Vatican’s Financial Institution, APSA

The Vatican's financial institution, often referred to as the "central bank" of the Vatican, has a new leader.

Unveiling the Catholic Heritage of Papua New Guinea

Pope Francis' visit to Papua New Guinea highlights the Catholic Church's crucial role in fostering peace and hope in a nation struggling with economic and social challenges

Church fresco angel that resembled Italian prime minister painted over to end controversy

The restored fresco in an ancient church in Rome sparked controversy after one of the angels depicted in

Cardinal Renato Martino, longtime Vatican diplomat, dies at 91

Cardinal Renato Raffaele Martino died on Monday at age 91.
Pope Leo XIV addresses members of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences at the Vatican on Sept. 24, 2026. | Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Leo calls for climate action before disaster strikes

Addressing the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, the pontiff linked climate preparedness to justice for vulnerable communities. Pope Leo

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com