STORY: Hundreds of Filipino Catholics attended morning Mass on Sunday (March 29), carrying palm fronds, a tradition in the lead-up to the remembrance of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection in the upcoming Easter weekend.

Some Catholics prayed for an end to the conflict in the Middle East, which had a global impact due to the sharp rise in fuel prices, with countries like the Philippines declaring an energy emergency.

The Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Easter Sunday, marks the last week of Lent, during which Roman Catholics fast, pray and give alms to the poor.

Roman Catholics make up about 80 percent of the more than 112 million Philippine population.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: MANILA, PHILIPPINES (MARCH 29, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF FILIPINO CATHOLICS WAVING PALM FRONDS DURING PALM SUNDAY CHURCH PROCESSION

2. CATHOLIC PRIEST SPRINKLING HOLY WATER AT PALM FRONDS

3. VARIOUS OF PROCESSION INSIDE CHURCH

4. (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) 73-YEAR-OLD FILIPINO CATHOLIC, ERNESTO DE VERA, SAYING:

“I prayed for an end to the war in the Middle East. People around the world are also experiencing hardships due to rising prices of fuel, electricity, and goods.”

5. CATHOLIC PRIEST DELIVERING SERMON

6. FILIPINO CATHOLICS LISTENING

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) 26-YEAR-OLD TEACHER, NELBERT QUINTOS, SAYING:

“My prayers, for the problems affecting the world, particularly with the wars, are for the countries involved to find peace. Because although the conflict may be limited to those nations, its impact is being felt around the world.”

8. CATHOLICS WAVING PALM FRONDS OUTSIDE CHURCH

9. CATHOLICS WAVING PALM FRONDS WHILE WALKING OUTSIDE CHURCH

10. (SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) 54-YEAR-OLD ENTREPRENEUR, MERCY FAUSTINO, SAYING:

“With everything happening around the world, I hope for peace so that we can all begin again in a better and more peaceful way. I also pray that the Lord grants our hopes and removes hatred from each of our hearts.”

11. FILIPINO CATHOLICS OUTSIDE BACLARAN CHURCH

12. CROSS ON CHURCH EXTERIOR