Thousands of Catholics gathered at Rome’s historic Colosseum Friday night as Pope Leo conducted a candlelit Good Friday ceremony that included special prayers for war orphans and immigrant children facing deportation, along with stern words about divine accountability for global leaders.
The 70-year-old pontiff, who has become a vocal opponent of the Iran conflict, participated in the solemn observance inside the ancient arena as participants listened to powerful spiritual reflections marking Good Friday, when Christians commemorate Christ’s crucifixion.
“Every person in authority will have to answer to God for the way they exercise their power,” stated the opening meditation. “The power to start or end a war; the power to instil violence or peace.”
As America’s first pope, Leo carried a large wooden cross during the ceremonial procession called Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), which commemorates 14 significant moments from Jesus’ final hours, beginning with his death sentence through his entombment.
Throughout the evening, the pope paused at designated locations within the Colosseum to listen to Scripture passages, writings from St. Francis of Assisi, and spiritual reflections that emphasized social justice themes.
An Italian priest selected by the pope authored the spiritual texts, which avoided mentioning any particular world leaders by name.
Participants gathering both inside the venue and along the surrounding stone streets offered prayers for displaced persons, human trafficking victims, political detainees, and “those who have died beneath the rubble” in global conflicts.
The congregation also remembered children imprisoned during demonstrations or “deported by policies devoid of compassion,” though no specific nations were identified.
Pope Leo has previously denounced former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration measures, questioning their compatibility with Catholic pro-life principles.
This Good Friday observance represents the second of four Catholic holy days culminating in Easter Sunday, when Pope Leo will present a special blessing and address from St. Peter’s Basilica balcony.
The Easter address stands among the Vatican’s most anticipated annual events, typically serving as a platform for the pope’s significant international appeals.
