Nigerian Christians have joined their counterparts across the world to mark Palm Sunday, signalling the beginning of the Holy Week.
The day symbolises the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem where he triumphantly rode on a donkey a week before his resurrection. The event is recounted in each of the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
In most churches, Palm Sunday is celebrated by the blessing and distribution of palm branches or the branches of other native trees.
The day also marks the first day of the holy week and it is the last week of the Christian solemn season of lent that precedes the arrival of Easter.
Pope Francis presided over mass in St Peter’s Square as he kicked off events leading to Easter, just a day after leaving hospital following a bout of bronchitis.
The head of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics has suffered from increasing health issues over the past few years, including knee problems which have forced him to use a wheelchair and walking stick.
Palm Sunday marks the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his crucifixion. Easter Sunday, which this year is on April 9, celebrates his resurrection from the dead.
Francis was expected to remain seated throughout the mass, while a cardinal conducts the ceremony at the altar.
Francis marked 10 years as the head of the worldwide Catholic Church earlier this month.