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Pope Carries Cross for First Time in Decades
3 Apr
Summary
- Pope Leo carried the cross for all 14 stations on Good Friday.
- This marked the first time in decades a pope carried the cross himself.
- Approximately 30,000 faithful gathered to witness the event.
Pope Leo recently led an impactful Good Friday observance at the Colosseum, a ceremony notable for his personal carrying of the wooden cross through all 14 stations. This significant act marks the first time in many decades that a pontiff has undertaken this physically demanding role for the entire Way of the Cross procession.
The hour-long event saw Pope Leo, accompanied by torchbearers, traverse the Colosseum, move through the gathered crowds, and ascend the Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing. Approximately 30,000 faithful were present, listening to the recitations over loud speakers and sharing in the solemn commemoration of Jesus' final hours.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo is scheduled to preside over the Easter vigil on Holy Saturday, a service that includes baptizing new Catholics. On Easter Sunday, he will celebrate an open-air Mass in St. Peter's Square, delivering his Easter message and the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing to Rome and the world.
