Pope Francis holds a Mass on Holy Thursday at St. Peter's Basilica with no public participation due to the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) at the Vatican, April 9, 2020… Holy Thursday is the commemoration of the Last Supper of Jesus Christ, when he established the sacrament of Holy Communion prior to his arrest and crucifixion. Pope Francis holds Mass for Holy Thursday in St. Peter's Basilica, instead of traveling to a prison or another facility, but from the Vatican at 6 p.m., Rome time.

It also commemorates His institution of the priesthood. The holy day falls on the Thursday before Easter and is part of Holy Week. April 9, 2020. Jesus celebrated the dinner as a Passover feast. Activities of the Holy Father Pope Francis 2020 April 9. Holy Thursday - Mass of the Lord's Supper