Pope Leo marked the first Good Friday of his papacy on Friday, presiding over a traditional “Way of the Cross” procession at Rome’s famed Colosseum.
Leo, the first U.S. pope and, at age 70, a relatively young pontiff, carried a tall wooden cross during the procession — known as a Via Crucis — which marks the 14 final moments in the life of Jesus, from his sentencing to death up to his burial.
The pope stopped at various points inside the Colosseum to hear Bible readings, writings from St. Francis of Assisi, and spiritual meditations that focused extensively on social justice issues.
Good Friday Traditions
Good Friday is the second of four Catholic holidays leading to Easter Sunday, when Pope Leo will deliver a special blessing and message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Via Crucis procession at the Colosseum is one of the most solemn and widely observed events of the Holy Week, drawing pilgrims and tourists from around the world.Based on reporting by Reuters. Additional analysis by The Credibility News
