In an extraordinary and historic event, Pope Leo XIV personally carried the cross along the entire Stations of the Cross in Rome’s Colosseum, marking a rare moment that had not occurred since 1994.
This special gesture, symbolizing the devotion and suffering of Christ, attracted thousands of believers and represents one of the most important rituals of Holy Week for the Catholic community.
The Pope walked through all 14 stations along the slopes of the Esquiline Hill, stopping for prayer and reflection at each station. Each stop, respectively, reflects a key moment from Christ’s journey to the cross, offering a profound spiritual experience for those present.
In an extraordinary and historic event, Pope Leo XIV personally carried the cross along the entire Way of the Cross in Rome’s Colosseum, marking a rare moment that had not occurred since 1994.
This special gesture, symbolizing the devotion and suffering of Christ, attracted thousands of believers and represents one of the most important rituals of Holy Week for the Catholic community.
The Pope passed through all 14 stations along the slopes of the Esquiline Hill, stopping for prayer and reflection at each station. Each stop, respectively, reflects a key moment from Christ’s journey to the cross, offering a profound spiritual experience for those present. Around 30,000 people physically participated in the procession, turning the Colosseum into a place filled with emotion and devotion. Meanwhile, millions more followed the ceremony via online broadcasts, allowing the event to reach believers from every corner of the world.
The ceremony took place on Holy Saturday, a day of special importance for Catholics. This is the quietest day before Easter, a moment of reflection and spiritual preparation for the greatest feast of the Christian calendar. The wide participation and intensity of the ritual underline the strong spiritual connection of believers with the traditions of the Church and the importance of the symbolic richness of the Way of the Cross.
This action of Pope Leo XIV, carrying the cross himself, was not only a spiritual act, but also a call for reflection and solidarity among people, reminding the world of the importance of faith, sacrifice and hope. /
