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Pope Leo XIV to Carry the Cross during the Way of the Cross a the Colosseum
In a significant first for his papacy, Pope Leo XIV, age 70, will personally carry the Cross through all fourteen stations of the Via Crucis at the Colosseum this Good Friday, April 3. This traditional liturgy commemorates Jesus’ journey to Calvary and marks a poignant moment in the Pope's inaugural Holy Week. Also, the pope removes his shoes and fisherman's ring at the Good Friday liturgy.
Key Details of the Ceremony
The Meditations: This year’s reflections were composed by Father Francesco Patton, a Franciscan Friar Minor who served as the Custos of the Holy Land from 2016 to 2025.
Theme: Writing frequently from Mount Nebo, Father Patton is expected to weave in the voices and struggles of those living in the Middle East, a region currently defined by profound conflict.
Publication: The Holy See Press Office will release the official texts at approximately midday on Friday morning.
A Departure from Recent Tradition
The upcoming ceremony signals a return to active papal participation following several years of health-related adjustments:
| Year | Meditations Author | Presiding Figure |
| 2024 | Pope Francis | Pope Francis |
| 2025 | Pope Francis | Cardinal Baldassarre Reina |
| 2026 | Fr. Francesco Patton | Pope Leo XIV |
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