A solitary Pope presided the Via Crucis on Good Friday
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Pope Francis presides the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) in the empty square outside the Saint Peter’s Basilica, due the lockdown to stem the spread of the COVID-19 infection caused by the novel Coronavirus, at the Vatican City, 10 April 2020.
It marked a stark departure from the usual ceremony, which normally takes place at the Colosseum amid throngs of people as the Church remembers the final moments of the Passion, Death, and Burial of Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis presides the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) in the empty square outside the Saint Peter’s Basilica. EPA-EFE/MASSIMO PERCOSSI
This year, measures taken to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus, Covid-19, made it necessary to hold the service without the physical presence of the faithful.
The empty square outside the Saint Peter’s Basilica, during the Good Friday Via Crucis. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO PERI / POOL
With the path marked out by burning torches on the ground, the black Cross was carried around the obelisk at the centre of the Square, before coming to the door of the Basilica. The Cross was escorted by members of the Due Palazzi chaplaincy, and by members of the Health and Hygiene Directorate of the Vatican City State.
Pope Francis celebrates the Mass for the Passion of Christ, at St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, 10 April 2020. EPA-EFE/Andrew Medichini / POOL
