Pope urges priests to avoid ‘clerical hypocrisy’ in Maundy Thursday speech

Pope Francis celebrates the Holy Chrism Mass in St Peter’s Basilica (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

Pope Francis urged his priests on Thursday to avoid “clerical hypocrisy” and treat their flocks with mercy as he delivered a lengthy set of marching orders to Rome-based priests at the start of a busy few days leading to Easter.

A strong-looking Francis presided over a Maundy Thursday Mass in St Peter’s Basilica during which the oils for church services are blessed.