As Christians commemorated the Triumphant Entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, yesterday, Pope Francis delighted worshippers with an impromptu tour of St Peter’s Square, against the advice of his doctors to avoid crowds while recovering from pneumonia.
  
While marking the Palm Sunday, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on Christians to reflect deeply on the life and mission of Jesus Christ and imbibe the virtues of peace, humility, and sacrificial love.
  
For the faithful, though the country is tough from every prism, there is still hope that things will get better.
   
For the second Sunday in a row after the longest hospital stay of his papacy, the 88-year-old pontiff left his Vatican quarters, handing out sweets to children and shaking hands while doing the rounds of the Vatican landmark.
  
While in his wheelchair, the Argentine appeared in rather good form, without the nasal cannula (a plastic tube tucked into the nostrils to help him breathe during his convalescence).
  
Since his discharge from hospital, the Pope has ventured out on several occasions despite his doctors urging him to rest, with his surprise visits appearing on no official Vatican programme.
 
On Thursday, he made an unscheduled visit to Saint Peter’s Basilica to inspect renovation work and to visit the tomb of Pius X, before making a trip on Saturday to pray at his favourite basilica, Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
  
After his planned meeting with King Charles III was initially cancelled due to his ill-health, Francis welcomed the British monarch and Charles’s second wife, Queen Camilla, in private on Wednesday.
  
The extent of his participation in next week’s Easter celebrations, the holiest period of the Christian calendar, has yet to be confirmed by the Holy See.
  
In his Sunday Angelus prayer, released by the Vatican, the pontiff thanked the flock for their prayers and issued his customary call for peace in the world.

IN a statement, yesterday, in Abuja, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, appealed to all Nigerians regardless of their ethnic, religious or political affiliation, to rise above division and embrace the shared identity as one people under God.
  
He said, “Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where He was welcomed with palm branches and shouts of ‘Hosanna’, a powerful symbol of peace, humility and hope. This moment offers enduring lessons for our nation as we navigate these uncertain and challenging times.  
  
“These lessons are especially pertinent as we are once again confronted with a painful reminder of the fragility of peace in our land. Just as the diverse crowds in Jerusalem were united in hope, so too must we come together with a common purpose: to heal our land and build a future grounded in mutual respect, compassion and solidarity.”

Okoh condemned the recent killings in Plateau State, particularly the attacks of April 4, 2025, which claimed the lives of dozens of innocent citizens in Bokkos and Mangu local councils. 
  
“Our leaders must embrace the principles of servant-leadership, placing the welfare of the people above personal or political interests. Amid insecurity, economic hardship and displacement, let their actions be marked by compassion, justice and a steadfast commitment to national healing,” he added.

WHILE Anglican, Catholic, Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Cherubim and Seraphim, Celestial Church and Methodist observe the Palm Sunday in Nigeria, the new generation churches embark on other religious programmes.
  
For instance, the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) rather observed 100 days fasting, ignoring the 40 days Lenten fast, between which Palm Sunday falls. Harvesters Christian Centre fasted for 21 days in January and was not fasting during Lent or observing Palm Sunday. 
  
Adeline Olisakwe said: “Palm Sunday is a great day in the life of every Christian; this is the day our Lord Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem triumphantly, as King. People were doubting if Jesus was a king, but they couldn’t doubt it when they saw him entering, and that is what we are celebrating.
  
“Jesus Christ’s journey to Jerusalem gives us so much hope.”
  
Victoria Toose said: “Palm Sunday is an entry of Christ into our life. Easter is my favourite celebration because it marks the resurrection of Christ. So when I die in Christ, buried in him and also resurrect in him, the resurrection brings new life to all Christians, all believers and everyone who believes in the death and resurrection of Christ.*