Pope Leo XIV Carries Cross at Colosseum, Calls Power to Account

Pope Leo XIV personally carried the wooden cross through all 14 stations at the Colosseum.

“Pope Leo XIV to carry cross for entire procession Pope Leo XIV plans to personally carry the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff ROME -- ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV will personally carry the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope carries the cross to every station”

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About 30,000 faithful gathered with countless more following worldwide.

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He carried the cross for nearly two hours, the first pope to do so in decades.

John Paul II last carried it for the entire procession from 1980 to 1994.

The meditations directly challenged those who wield power.

Jesus unmasked every human presumption of power.

America Magazine

The power to start or end a war, to instill violence or peace.

All authority must answer to God for the way it is exercised.

Leo's address was at the Colosseum, a symbol of martyrdom turned into prayer.

He called for peace in the Middle East and addressed the threat of escalating war.

The pope's self-presentation contrasted sharply with Trump's expansion of the war.

The meditations acknowledged the chaotic environment Christians face.

The pope said, This is everyday life.

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The stations focused on the most vulnerable.