Pope Leo XIV presided over a solemn, candlelit Good Friday service at the Colosseum, drawing thousands of Catholic faithful who gathered to pray for victims of war, displaced families, and vulnerable communities worldwide.
The 70-year-old pontiff, noted as the first American to lead the Catholic Church, carried a tall wooden cross during the traditional Via Crucis procession. The ritual commemorates 14 key moments in the final hours of Jesus Christ.
At each station, Pope Leo paused for Scripture readings, reflections from St. Francis of Assisi, and meditations centered on social justice and human dignity.
One of the reflections delivered a strong message directed at those in positions of authority:
“Every person in authority will have to answer to God for the way they exercise their power. The power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace.”
While no specific leaders were named, the message resonated amid ongoing global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Worshippers inside and around the Colosseum offered prayers for refugees, victims of human trafficking, political prisoners, and “those who have died beneath the rubble” in war zones. Special mention was also given to children affected by conflict—those imprisoned during protests or “deported by policies devoid of compassion.”
The Good Friday service underscored Pope Leo XIV’s consistent advocacy for humanitarian causes.
He has previously spoken out on immigration issues, including criticism of policies under U.S. President Donald Trump, raising concerns over their alignment with the Church’s pro-life teachings.
Good Friday is the second of four major observances leading to Easter Sunday.
The liturgical period will culminate with the pope’s Urbi et Orbi blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica, a traditional address used to deliver messages of global significance.