Pope Leo XIV Carries Cross for Full Good Friday Procession, 1st Pontiff to Do So in Decades/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Leo XIV carried the cross for all 14 Good Friday stations at Rome’s Colosseum. He became the first pope in decades to complete the full Way of the Cross procession. Tens of thousands gathered for the historic Good Friday ceremony in Rome.
Pope Leo XIV Good Friday — Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV carries cross entire procession
- First pope in decades to complete all stations
- Ceremony held at Rome’s Colosseum
- 30,000 faithful attend Good Friday event
- Way of the Cross includes 14 stations
- Procession ends at Palatine Hill
- Leo emphasizes suffering and global conflict
- Tradition revived after decades of changes
- Pope Leo physically completes full route
- Holy Week celebrations continue through Easter
Deep Look: Pope Leo XIV Carries Cross for Entire Good Friday Procession
ROME — Pope Leo XIV made history on his first Good Friday as pontiff by carrying a wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum, becoming the first pope in decades to complete the entire procession.
The powerful gesture marked a return to a tradition last fully observed by Pope John Paul II decades earlier and underscored Leo’s emphasis on faith, suffering, and spiritual leadership during a time of global conflict and uncertainty.
“I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today,” Pope Leo said earlier in the week. “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.”
The Good Friday ceremony began inside the ancient Colosseum, where Pope Leo lifted the wooden cross and began the solemn procession. Flanked by two torchbearers, the pontiff carried the cross through the historic site, past thousands of faithful gathered outside, and up steep stairs to the Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing.
The hour-long procession commemorates the final hours of Jesus Christ’s life, from his condemnation to death through crucifixion and burial. The Way of the Cross includes 14 stations, each reflecting a moment in the Passion of Christ.
At the first station, which marks Jesus’ condemnation, meditations prepared for Leo’s first Good Friday focused on leadership and moral responsibility. The reflections highlighted how those in positions of authority must answer for their use of power.
“The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace,” read part of the meditation prepared by Rev. Francesco Patton, a former custodian of the Holy Land.
Approximately 30,000 people gathered near the Colosseum to participate in the solemn event. The faithful followed along as the prayers and reflections were broadcast over loudspeakers throughout the historic site.
Among those attending was Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa, who described the event as deeply meaningful.
“We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting,” she said. “It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion.”
Pope Leo’s decision to carry the cross throughout the entire procession marked a notable departure from recent papal practice.
Pope John Paul II carried the cross during his early years as pontiff, beginning in 1979, but later participated partially following hip surgery in 1995. Pope Benedict XVI carried the cross only during the first station, while others took turns during the remaining procession.
Pope Francis never carried the cross during his papacy but attended the ceremony when his health allowed. Francis died last year after a prolonged illness, marking the end of his tenure.
At age 70, Pope Leo is physically active and known for maintaining strong personal fitness. Before becoming pope, he regularly exercised near the Vatican and was known as an avid tennis player and swimmer.
His physical endurance enabled him to complete the entire Good Friday route, which includes steep inclines and a lengthy walk through historic terrain.
Religious leaders emphasized that the Way of the Cross reflects faith lived in the real world rather than abstract devotion.
“The Way of the Cross is not intended for those who lead a pristinely pious life,” Patton wrote in his introduction. “Instead, it is the exercise of one who knows that faith must be lived in the real world.”
The Good Friday procession is one of the most solemn events of Holy Week, drawing Catholics from around the world to Rome.
Pope Leo’s Holy Week schedule continues with the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, during which he will baptize new Catholics and lead worshipers into the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
On Easter Sunday, Pope Leo will celebrate Mass in St. Peter’s Square and deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to Rome and the world.
His historic Good Friday procession sets a symbolic tone for his papacy, emphasizing humility, endurance, and solidarity with those suffering around the world.
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