Large crowds gathered to experience the Way of the Cross procession at the historic landmark. The procession took place this year under exceptionally high security.
Tens of thousands of Catholics gathered at the Colosseum in the Italian capital on Friday for the traditional Way of the Cross procession that commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, who was crucified by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Pope Francis, who earlier took part in a Good Friday service in St. Peter's Basilica, prostrating himself in prayer for several minutes before the central altar, was scheduled to give a homily at the procession.
During the procession, faithful take turns carrying a cross while accompanied by others holding lit candles. Texts are read out at the 14 "Stations of the Cross" that Catholics believe Jesus passed while being taken to his crucifixion.
High security
This year, the texts, by French theologian Anne-Marie Pelletier, among other things commemorate the fate of refugees and the victims of war and violence. The Colosseum itself is seen as a memorial to the martyrs of early Christianity who were put to death in the arena by Roman authorities because of their faith.
The procession this year is taking place under high security amid fears about big public gatherings after truck attacks targeting pedestrians in Nice, Berlin, London and Stockholm.
Police closed streets around the Colosseum to traffic hours before the event, and have been out in force to guard worshipers. Bomb-sniffing dogs have also been patroling the streets.
Tens of thousands of Catholics gathered at the Colosseum in the Italian capital on Friday for the traditional Way of the Cross procession that commemorates the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, who was crucified by the Romans 2,000 years ago.
Pope Francis, who earlier took part in a Good Friday service in St. Peter's Basilica, prostrating himself in prayer for several minutes before the central altar, was scheduled to give a homily at the procession.
During the procession, faithful take turns carrying a cross while accompanied by others holding lit candles. Texts are read out at the 14 "Stations of the Cross" that Catholics believe Jesus passed while being taken to his crucifixion.
High security
This year, the texts, by French theologian Anne-Marie Pelletier, among other things commemorate the fate of refugees and the victims of war and violence. The Colosseum itself is seen as a memorial to the martyrs of early Christianity who were put to death in the arena by Roman authorities because of their faith.
The procession this year is taking place under high security amid fears about big public gatherings after truck attacks targeting pedestrians in Nice, Berlin, London and Stockholm.
Police closed streets around the Colosseum to traffic hours before the event, and have been out in force to guard worshipers. Bomb-sniffing dogs have also been patroling the streets.
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