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.
German coverage highlights the departure from his predecessor's approach and emphasizes the ceremony's focus on human suffering. The reporting connects the religious observance to contemporary global conflicts.
The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instil violence or peace; the power to fuel the desire for revenge, or for reconciliation.
Reverend Francesco Patton, former custodian of the Holy Land — South China Morning Post
The meditation was written by Reverend Francesco Patton, who served as custodian of the Holy Land from 2016 to 2025, responsible for overseeing sacred sites in the region. His words resonated against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
German media coverage highlighted how Leo's decision to carry the cross personally differed from his predecessor's approach, emphasizing the focus on human suffering during the procession. The ceremony drew pilgrims from around the world, including Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa.
We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting. It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion.
Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau — Associated Press
The physical demands of carrying the cross for the entire procession reflect Leo's relative youth compared to his recent predecessors. Francis was in his late 70s when he became pope and dealt with health issues, while Benedict XVI was also in his late 70s upon his election.
Leo's decision to personally bear the cross signals a return to the more physically demanding papal traditions of John Paul II's era, when the Polish pope was known for his outdoor activities and robust health during his early papacy.