Trending Now - Pope Leo Leads Good Friday Cross Procession at Colosseum

WHO:

CBS News - Pope Leo XIV carried the wooden cross during the Good Friday procession.

CBS News - Rev. Francesco Patton prepared the meditation for the first station of the cross.

CBS News - Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa attended the event.

WHAT:

CBS News - Pope Leo XIV carried the wooden cross for all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross.

CBS News - Approximately 30,000 faithful gathered outside the Colosseum for the procession.

CBS News - The procession lasted for one hour and concluded with a final blessing on Palatine Hill.

CBS News - Pope Leo stated, "I carry all of this suffering in my prayer."

WHERE:

CBS News - The Good Friday procession took place at the Colosseum in Rome.

WHEN:

CBS News - The event occurred on April 3rd, 2026.

CBS News - Pope Francis died on April 21st, 2025.

WHY:

CBS News - The procession commemorates the final hours of Jesus' life, from his death sentence to his crucifixion, death, and burial.

CBS News - The meditation emphasized that those with authority will have to answer to God for how they exercise their power.

HOW:

CBS News - Pope Leo was flanked by two torchbearers during the procession.

CBS News - The stations were recited over loudspeakers for the gathered crowd.

(UPDATED April 4, 2026 01:20 UTC)

on Friday, Pope Leo XIV carried the wooden cross during the Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in Rome, which drew approximately 30,000 faithful. The event lasted for one hour and concluded with a final blessing on Palatine Hill, as Pope Leo expressed, "I carry all of this suffering in my prayer." Rev. Francesco Patton prepared the meditation for the first station of the cross, emphasizing that those with authority will ultimately answer to God for how they exercise their power.