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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

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

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

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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.

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