Trending Now - Pope Leo XIV to Lead Procession by Carrying Cross Himself
WHO:
ABC News - Pope Leo XIV stated, “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer,” during a press conference outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV is 70 years old, physically fit, and an avid tennis player and swimmer.
ABC News - Pope Leo XIV will personally carry the wooden cross.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV is the current pontiff.
AP News - Rev. Francesco Patton composed the meditations for the procession.
WHAT:
ABC News - John Paul II carried the cross for the entire procession from his first Good Friday as pontiff in 1979 until his hip surgery in 1995.
AP News - Pope Francis participated in the procession until his health worsened and died on April 21, 2025.
ABC News - Pope Leo XIV will carry the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.
AP News - This marks the first time in decades that a pope carries the cross to every station.
ABC News - The procession commemorates the final hours of Jesus’ life, from his death sentence to his crucifixion, death, and burial.
ABC News - The procession ends outside the Colosseum atop the Palatine Hill.
WHERE:
ABC News - The event will take place at the Colosseum in Rome.
WHEN:
ABC News - Pope Leo XIV's first Good Friday as pontiff will occur in 2026.
AP News - Pope Francis died on April 21, 2025, which was Easter Monday.
ABC News - The Easter vigil rites will be presided over by the pontiff on Holy Saturday, April 8th, 2026.
ABC News - An open-air Mass will be celebrated by the pope on Easter Sunday, April 9th, 2026.
WHY:
ABC News - Pope Leo XIV stated, “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.”
HOW:
Vatican News - Fr. Francesco Patton's meditations for the Good Friday ‘Via Crucis’ explore different aspects of Christian life in light of Gospel readings and excerpts from the writings of St. Francis, marking 800 years since his death.
ABC News - The meditations at each station will be read aloud, composed by Rev. Francesco Patton, who was the custos of the Holy Land from 2016 to 2025.
(UPDATED April 3, 2026 21:07 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV, during a press conference outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, expressed, “I carry all of this suffering in my prayer,” as he reflected on his role. At 70 years old, he remains physically fit and enjoys tennis and swimming, following in the footsteps of previous popes who have participated in the Good Friday procession, including John Paul II, who carried the cross from 1979 until his hip surgery in 1995. This year, Fr. Francesco Patton's meditations for the ‘Via Crucis’ will delve into various aspects of Christian life, drawing from Gospel readings and the writings of St. Francis, commemorating 800 years since his death.
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(UPDATED April 3, 2026 19:25 UTC)
Pope Leo XIV will personally carry the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome, marking the first time in decades that a pope has undertaken this solemn journey. The procession, which commemorates the final hours of Jesus’ life, will conclude atop the Palatine Hill, and the meditations at each station will be read aloud, composed by Rev. Francesco Patton. Pope Leo XIV expressed that this act serves as an important sign of spiritual leadership in today's world, emphasizing that "Christ still suffers."