Penitents during  Good Friday in San Juan village, San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. Thousands of Catholic devotees witnessed dozens of men who were nailed to wooden crosses or flogged themselves in annual rituals re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

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In several regions of the Philippines, Good Friday is celebrated by groups of faithful who organize real “reproductions” of the Passion of Christ but without the support of the local Church.

Good Friday is considered as one of the most somber days for Christians during the Holy Week. The day is known as Karfreitag or ‘Sorrowful Friday’ in German, while in Spanish it is called Viernes Santo or ‘Holy or Sacred Friday’.

Traditionally, newspapers are not issued on Good Friday in Malta.

Pope Francis in Rome will preside over the Liturgy of the Word, the Adoration of the Cross, and the Communion Rite, starting at 5pm.

At 9.15pm, he will participate in the “Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, at the Colosseum, at the end of which he will give a reflection and impart his Apostolic Blessing.

(Photos: EPA-EFE/MARK R. CRISTINO)