Catholics mark Palm Sunday praying for Pope’s health

Holy tradition: A Roman Catholic priest blessing palm fronds with holy water to commemorate Palm Sunday in Manila. — AP

Thousands of Filipino Catholics attending church on Palm Sunday marked the beginning of Holy Week with prayers for the health of Pope Francis as they presented palm fronds to be blessed.

At a church in Antipolo City about 20km east of Manila, hundreds of devotees attended morning mass and waved palm fronds as a sign of discipleship and remembrance of Jesus Christ.