Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross through 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 personally borne the cross for the entire procession on his first Easter as pontiff.
The symbolic gesture broke from recent papal tradition. Pope Francis never carried the cross during his papacy, while Benedict XVI carried it only for the first station inside the Colosseum before following other bearers. John Paul II was the last pope to carry the cross for the full procession, doing so from 1979 until his hip surgery in 1995.
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. I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.
Pope Leo XIV — South China Morning Post
The hour-long procession began inside the ancient amphitheater, where Leo lifted the cross and held it aloft from his waist. Flanked by two young torchbearers, he led approximately 30,000 faithful through the crowd outside and up steep stairs to the Palatine Hill for the final blessing.
The meditations prepared for Leo's first Good Friday carried pointed messages about the exercise of power. At the first station, marking Jesus's condemnation to death, the text emphasized that those in authority must answer to God for how they wield their influence.
The outlet provides comprehensive coverage focusing on the historical significance of the pope's decision and the spiritual messages delivered. It emphasizes the contrast with recent papal practices and includes detailed quotes from the ceremony.