Pope Francis: the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis presided over the via crucis – the Way of the Cross – this Good Friday evening at the Colosseum in Rome. The Way of the Cross is a centuries-old and much beloved devotion, that began as a sort of spiritual pilgrimage to the places and scenes and events of Christ’s passion for those who could not make the pilgrimage to the Holy Land in person, as well as for those who had made it and wished to relive their experience, and for those who were preparing for the journey. The practice of placing the “stations” of the Cross in churches, as well as the number of stations – 14 – is traceable at least to the 18^th century.

Archbishop Giancarlo Maria Bregantini of Campobasso-Boiano in Italy composed the meditations accompanying this year’s via cruces devotion at the Colosseum.

The faithful carrying the cross came from every age, background and state of life in the Church, all chosen to complement and illustrate the theme of suffering – often secret and in silence – that is the driving motif running through Archbishop Bregantini’s meditations.

The event is always well attended, regardless of weather, though this year Rome’s civil authorities have anticipated an even larger than usual turnout. Giant television viewing screens in the nearby Circo Massimo and on the via dei fori imperiali, which runs past the Colosseum, have been put in place for participants.



Listen to our report: