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

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

EWTN News Staff

The EWTN News Staff is a team of journalists dedicated to reporting news concerning the Catholic Church around the world. Our bureaus are located in Washington, D.C., and Rome. We have sister language agencies in Kenya, Germany, Peru, Brazil, and Italy. You can contact us at contactnews@ewtn.com with questions.

Share

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

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Vatican issues stamp honoring Ukrainian Catholics as war enters fourth year

The stamp features the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv. A new Vatican

Pope Leo XIV urges law enforcement to target drug traffickers, not addicts

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on governments and law enforcement agencies to focus their efforts on dismantling criminal organizations that profit from drug trafficking rather than punishing addicts.

Pope Francis Speaks at Synod on Synodality: ‘Clericalism’ Defiles the Church

Pope Francis denounced clericalism and called it a “scandal” to see young priests buying lace vestments at tailor shops in a strongly-worded speech to the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday.

Pope Francis’ Final Public Appearances: A Spiritual Farewell to the Faithful

After more than five weeks in the hospital battling double pneumonia, doctors advised Pope Francis to take two months of rest. However, the Holy Father chose to be among the faithful until his final days. 

The Origins of Silent Night

Uncover the origins of "Silent Night," the world's most beloved Christmas carol, first performed in 1818 in Oberndorf, Austria.

Open Skies: El Greco’s Masterpieces Exposed in Rome for the First Time

Explore ‘Open Skies: Art in View of the Jubilee 2025’ with Archbishop Rino Fisichella, a spiritual journey featuring

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com