Pope Francis presided over the Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) service at Rome's Colosseum on the evening of Good Friday, April 3, 2026. The annual ceremony commemorates the Passion of Jesus Christ.
The Pope led the prayers for the traditional 14 stations, which depict events from Jesus's condemnation to his burial. The meditations for this year's service, focused on themes of peace and the suffering of the innocent, were prepared by a Roman parish community.
Following the ceremony, Pope Francis offered a brief reflection. He emphasized the importance of contemplating the cross as a sign of God's love and a call to reject indifference and violence in the world.
