Pope prays Way of the Cross from Casa Santa Marta

By Devin Watkins

“We are now taking advantage of this time to be with you. We want to spend it close to you. On the way from Gethsemane to Calvary, you never stopped praying.

Pope Francis presented his thoughts on Good Friday Stations of the Cross with an invitation to reflect on the centrality of prayer in Christian life, particularly during the Year of Prayer which precedes the Jubilee of 2025.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the Pope chose not to attend the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum in person.

“In order to preserve his health for tomorrow’s vigil and Easter Sunday Mass,” the statement said, “Pope Francis will follow the Stations of the Cross to the Colosseum this evening from Casa Santa Marta.”

Last year, Pope Francis was not present at the Colosseum either. Cardinal Angelo de Donatis, Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome, offered the final blessing, both in 2023 and this year.

Carry the cross in all areas

However, the Pope was present in his words and reflections on the 14 Stations of the Cross.

Each station saw a different group carrying the Cross through and near the ancient Flavian Amphitheater, each representing various expressions of Church life.

They were several cloistered nuns, people in financial difficulty, a family, disabled people, a prayer group, priests, women carrying out health ministry, migrants, catechists, parishioners, young people, consecrated women, university students and people serving in diocesan Caritas.

“Prayer can change the world”

In his reflections, Pope Francis recognized the difficulty of living prayerfully in the midst of life's struggles and difficulties.

Prayer, he said, is “trust and offering,” as we seek to draw closer to the Lord in intimacy and dialogue.

“Wake us up, Lord!” » he prayed. “Awaken our hearts from their lethargy, because today too – today especially – you count on our prayer. »

The full text of the Pope's reflections can be viewed here.