Jerusalem, Vatican observe Palm Sunday (14 images)

Christians carry palm branches and a statue of Jesus Christ during the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mt. of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ on a donkey to Jerusalem where he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches the week before he was crucified. UPI/Debbie Hill

Pope Francis holds papal mass as part of the Palm Sunday celebration on St Peter's square at the Vatican on March 24, 2013. UPI/Stefano Spaziani

Catholic nuns carry palm branches during the traditional Palm Sunday procession from the Mt. of Olives to the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, March 24, 2013. Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus Christ on a donkey to Jerusalem where he was greeted by crowds waving palm branches the week before he was crucified. UPI/Debbie Hill

Pope Francis holds papal mass as part of the Palm Sunday celebration on St Peter's square at the Vatican on March 24, 2013. UPI/Stefano Spaziani