Pope Leo XIV carries cross for full Good Friday procession, the first pontiff to do so in decades
A historic moment as Pope Leo XIV participates in the full Good Friday procession.
Summary
Pope Leo XIV's participation in the full Good Friday procession marks a significant event in the Catholic Church, being the first pontiff to carry the cross in decades.
This act not only emphasizes tradition and humility but also has implications for the logistical and operational aspects of such large-scale religious events.
The involvement of the Pope in this manner may influence future processions, requiring adjustments in crowd management and resource allocation to accommodate increased attendance and engagement.
Updates
Update at 08:23 UTC on 2026-04-04
EuroNews reported Pope Leo XIV marked his first Good Friday by becoming the first pontiff in decades to personally carry the wooden cross for all 14 stations at the Colosseum.
Sources: EuroNews