In a historic moment marking his first Good Friday as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. This was the first instance in decades that a pope undertook this physical journey throughout the evening’s solemn observance.
“I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice, that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers,” Leo told reporters this week outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo. “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.”
Inside the Colosseum, Leo lifted the cross and initiated the ceremony, accompanied by two torchbearers. The hour-long procession moved from within the Colosseum, through enthusiastic crowds, and up the steep stairs to the Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing.
At the first station, signifying Jesus’ condemnation, the meditation crafted especially for Leo’s inaugural Good Friday emphasized that those in positions of power will ultimately answer to God for their actions.
“The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace; the power to fuel the desire for revenge or for reconciliation,” read the reflection from Rev. Francesco Patton, who oversaw sacred sites in the Holy Land from 2016 to 2025.
Approximately 30,000 faithful gathered outside the ancient site, following along as the stations were recited through loudspeakers. This diverse assembly included Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. “We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting. It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion,” she expressed.
Past processions
John Paul II carried the cross throughout the entire procession during his first Good Friday as pontiff in 1979, continuing this tradition until his hip surgery in 1995. Following his recovery, he again carried the cross only part of the way.
For the first two years of his papacy, Benedict XVI carried the cross for the initial station inside the Colosseum before joining other bearers in the procession, which concludes on a platform atop Palatine Hill.
Pope Francis, however, never carried the cross but actively participated in the procession until his health declined. He passed away after a prolonged illness last year, coinciding with Easter Monday on April 21.
Pope John Paul II was just 58 when he ascended to the papacy and was known for his love of hiking and the outdoors, while his two successors were in their late 70s at their papal beginnings. Francis notably had part of a lung removed due to a respiratory infection in his youth.
The Way of the Cross commemorates the final moments of Jesus’ life, encompassing his condemnation, the carrying of the cross, crucifixion, death, and burial. The procession concludes outside the Colosseum on Palatine Hill.
“The Way of the Cross is not intended for those who lead a pristinely pious or abstractly recollected life,” Patton wrote in his introduction. “Instead, it is the exercise of one who knows that faith, hope, and charity must be incarnated in the real world.”
At age 70, Leo is physically fit, enjoying both tennis and swimming. Before becoming pope, he maintained a rigorous workout schedule at a gym near the Vatican, with a fitness regimen notable for someone in their early 50s, as noted by his former trainer.
The pope’s Holy Week activities
On Holy Saturday, the pope will lead a late-night Easter vigil, during which he will baptize new Catholics and usher followers into Christianity’s most significant celebration: the resurrection of Christ.
On Easter Sunday, the pope will celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter’s Square, followed by his Easter message and the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, extending goodwill to the city of Rome and the broader world.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV carried the cross for all 14 stations for the first time in decades on Good Friday.
- About 30,000 people attended the procession, highlighting its significance.
- The event emphasizes accountability for those in power, as reflected in the meditation from Rev. Francesco Patton.
- Previous popes have had various practices regarding the carrying of the cross during the procession.
- Pope Leo XIV is known for his physical fitness, reflecting his active lifestyle.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Way of the Cross?
The Way of the Cross commemorates the final hours of Jesus’ life, illustrating his journey from condemnation to crucifixion and burial.
How many people attended the procession this year?
Approximately 30,000 faithful gathered outside the Colosseum for the event.
What did Pope Leo XIV mention about suffering?
Pope Leo IV emphasized that he carries the suffering of the world in his prayers, reinforcing his role as a spiritual leader.
What are the pope’s activities during Holy Week?
He will lead an Easter vigil on Holy Saturday and celebrate an open-air Mass on Easter Sunday, followed by delivering his Easter message.
How has the tradition of carrying the cross evolved among popes?
Each pope has approached the tradition differently, with varying practices and participation levels across the years.
