Pope attends Good Friday service recalling Jesus' suffering | Inquirer News

Pope attends Good Friday service recalling Jesus’ suffering

/ 12:57 AM April 15, 2017

Pope Francis - Good Friday Passion of Christ Mass - 14 April 2017

Pope Francis is helped to wear his skullcap as he celebrates the Good Friday Passion of Christ Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, Friday, April 14, 2017. Pope Francis began the Good Friday service at the Vatican with the Passion of Christ Mass and hours later will go to the ancient Colosseum in Rome for the traditional Way of the Cross procession. (Photo by GREGORIO BORGIA / AP)

Updated:; 2:01 a.m., April 15, 2017

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis prostrated himself in prayer during a solemn Good Friday service in St. Peter’s Basilica to recall the crucifixion of Jesus. His quiet reflection came hours before he was due at the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession that is being held this year under exceptionally tight security.

Article continues after this advertisement

The 80-year-old pope lay for several minutes before the central altar at the basilica. He wore crimson-colored vestments for the day commemorating the suffering of Jesus.

FEATURED STORIES

Papal preacher the Rev. Raniero Cantalamessa told the faithful they were recalling the “violent death” of Jesus 2,000 years ago, even though most days now bring news if violent deaths, because the crucifixion “changed forever the very face of death.”

Cantalamessa called the cross the definitive “’No’ of God to violence, injustice, hate, lies.”

Article continues after this advertisement

Francis was scheduled to give his own homily Friday night at the traditional Way of the Cross procession in the Colosseum in Rome. Hours before the procession was scheduled to start, security was exceedingly tight around the ancient arena.

Article continues after this advertisement

It’s the first time the Good Friday tradition, in which faithful take turns carrying a cross while accompanied by crowds holding lit candles, was being held since the truck attacks targeting pedestrians in Nice, Berlin, London and Stockholm raised apprehension about big public gatherings in Europe.

Article continues after this advertisement

Streets surrounding the Colosseum were closed to traffic, armored vehicles blocked intersections, bomb-sniffing dogs were out in force and there was a heavier-than-usual police presence to keep watch.

Accredited media faced exhaustive security checks. Police initially refused to allow ladders and tripods into the press zone. The equipment was eventually permitted after media protested to authorities.

Article continues after this advertisement

* * *

Patricia Thomas contributed to this report from Rome.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Holy Week, Pope Francis

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.