Pope leads Maundy Thursday service at St Peter’s Basilica

Pope Francis celebrates the Holy Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica on Maundy Thursday in the Vatican.

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter, commemorating the Maundy and Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles, as described in the canonical gospels.

The Chrism Mass is often the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful held in most dioceses. The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year, which are then given to priests and ministers to take back to their parishes.