Skip to content

PHOTOS: Pope Leo XIV carries the cross at the Via Crucis in the Colosseum

Pope Leo XIV carries the cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.

Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to “live our lives as a journey” and prayed for the Church to “follow in the footprints” of Christ as he walked the Via Crucis on April 3.

The pope personally carried the cross through every station of the Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum, the first time in four years the figure of the Supreme Pontiff has been present at the amphitheater.

Cloudinary Asset

A flickering cross towers at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV carries the cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV carries the cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

A candle flickers at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV carries the cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

Cloudinary Asset

Pope Leo XIV carries the cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome, Friday, April 3, 2026. | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/EWTN News

This article was originally published by EWTN News English.

Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today

EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp

EWTN News Staff

The EWTN News Staff is a team of journalists dedicated to reporting news concerning the Catholic Church around the world. Our bureaus are located in Washington, D.C., and Rome. We have sister language agencies in Kenya, Germany, Peru, Brazil, and Italy. You can contact us at contactnews@ewtn.com with questions.

Share

Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican

Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter.

More news related to this article

Antoni Gaudí: A model of holiness and dialogue for Spain

Before Pope Leo’s visit to Barcelona, an architect and a priest discuss Antoni Gaudíʼs holiness and skill, which

The Spiritual Rebirth Of Notre Dame Cathedral

After five years of restoration, Notre Dame Cathedral stands renewed, symbolizing hope and faith for Catholics worldwide.

Vatican unveils commemorative stamp on 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with U.S.

The Vatican this week unveiled a commemorative stamp to mark four decades of diplomatic relations with the United States.
Nativity scene commissioned by Pope Nicholas IV in 1292. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

First known Nativity scene figurines are on display in Rome

The first known Nativity scene figurines are currently on display in one of Rome’s oldest basilicas. The underground

Pope Francis Appoints New Auxiliary Bishop For Jordan And The Titular See Of Siminia

Pope Francis on Dec. 17 appointed Father Iyad Twal as auxiliary bishop of the patriarchal diocese of Jerusalem of the Latins for Jordan and as titular bishop of Siminia.
Johann König (1586-1642), “St. George Defeating the Dragon” (photo: Public Domain)

The Mystery of St. George and the Dragon

Why is an early martyr most famous for something he probably didn’t do? A brave soldier slaying the

LIVE
FROM THE VATICAN

Be present live on EWTNVatican.com