VASTLY SMALLER CROWDS GREET POPE FRANCIS FOR EASTER SUNDAY MASS IN SAINT PETER'S SQUARE

Is it a fear of terroristic threats prevalent in Europe or is it something else that has resulted in unprecedented smaller crowds at outdoor papal events/Masses and stunningly so for an Easter Sunday Mass in a Roman sun-drenched St. Peter's Square.

Pope Benedict prophesied a smaller Church and we see it happening before our eyes in Rome.

The papal Mass in Latin with the Latin and Greek Gospel and the Roman Canon, used what Pope Francis infrequently uses, Cardinal-deacons.

Press the Crux title for a paraphrase of Pope Francis' off-the-cuff homily:

Pope says Easter’s ultimate proof that ‘our God is a God of surprises’

• John L. Allen Jr.
  Apr 1, 2018
  EDITOR

Pope Francis arrives to celebrate an Easter Mass, in St. Peter's square at the Vatican, Sunday, April 1, 2018. (Credit: AP Photo/Andrew Medichini.)