Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross during his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope has done so. The procession took place at Rome's Colosseum and included prayers for war orphans, deported immigrant children, and victims of human trafficking.
Key Takeaways
Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at Rome's Colosseum on Good Friday, marking the first time in decades that a pope has done so. The procession included prayers for war orphans, deported immigrant children, and victims of human trafficking. Approximately 30,000 faithful attended the event.
- Pope Leo XIV carried the cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross
- Procession featured prayers for refugees, political prisoners, and deported children
- Around 30,000 people gathered at Rome's Colosseum to participate in the Good Friday procession
- Meditations emphasized social justice issues and accountability of those in power
According to CBS News, Pope Leo carried the cross throughout the hour-long procession from inside the Colosseum, through the crowd outside, and up steep stairs to Palantine Hill where he gave the final blessing. The meditation at the first station underlined that those with authority will have to answer to God for how they exercise their power.
Reuters reported that Pope Leo led a candle-lit service inside Rome's Colosseum, featuring prayers for refugees and political prisoners. The spiritual meditations focused extensively on social justice issues but did not name any specific world leaders. The procession marked 14 of the final moments in Jesus' life.
The Way of the Cross commemorates the final hours of Jesus' life, from his death sentence to taking up the cross to his crucifixion, death, and burial. According to Los Angeles Times, approximately 30,000 faithful gathered outside the Colosseum to follow the stations as they were recited over loudspeakers.
The spiritual texts for the procession were written by Rev. Francesco Patton, who was custodian of the Holy Land from 2016-25. Pope Leo will preside over an Easter vigil on Holy Saturday and celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square on Easter Sunday, delivering his Easter message and offering the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing to the city of Rome and the world.
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