On his first Good Friday as pope, Leo XIV carried the cross personally to the Colosseum.

On his first Good Friday as sovereign pontiff, Pope Leo XIV led the traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome, personally carrying the cross at each of the fourteen stops. This gesture, considered a 'strong sign' of his new papacy, had not been fully performed by a pope since the 20th century. The ceremony included readings from the Gospel, meditations written by the Franciscan Francesco Patton, and prayers, in an atmosphere of reflection. The Pope officiated a service by candlelight, praying for war orphans and the children of deported immigrants, emphasizing the responsibility of world leaders before God.

Leo, the first American pope, carried a wooden cross and listened to spiritual meditations, focusing on social justice without mentioning specific leaders. Thousands of Catholics participated in the ceremony, praying for refugees and victims of violence. Good Friday is an important celebration in the Catholic calendar, preceding Easter Sunday, when the Pope will deliver a special message from St. Peter's Basilica.