Some 30,000 faithful gathered outside the pagan monument, following the stations as they were recited over loud speakers. Pope Leo carries a wooden cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)They included Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa and a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. “We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting,” she said. Pope Leo carries a wooden cross during the Via Crucis at the Colosseum in Rome (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)The procession ends outside the Colosseum atop the Palatine Hill. Before becoming pope, Leo would work out regularly at a gym near the Vatican, with a plan befitting a man in his early 50s, according to his former trainer.

Source: The Herald April 04, 2026 09:29 UTC