Pope Leo XIV carried a wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross on April 3, 2026, at the Colosseum in Rome during Good Friday rites, becoming the first pope in decades to complete the full procession.
Leo began the Via Crucis inside the Colosseum, accompanied by torchbearers, and led the hour-long procession through the surrounding area to Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing.
About 30,000 people attended the ceremony and followed the stations as organizers recited them over loudspeakers.
Before the event, Leo told reporters he would carry the suffering represented in the ritual in his prayers. “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer,” he said.
Meditations prepared for the service by Francesco Patton stated that those in authority would be accountable to God for how they use their power, including decisions related to war, peace, and justice.
The Way of the Cross commemorates the final hours of Jesus Christ, from his condemnation to his crucifixion and burial.
Pope John Paul II carried the cross throughout the procession from 1979 until 1995, when he reduced his participation following hip surgery. Pope Benedict XVI carried the cross only during the first station early in his papacy, while Pope Francis did not carry it during his tenure.
Leo is scheduled to preside over the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday and celebrate Mass on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square, where he will deliver the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing.
