politics
The first Way of the Cross of Leo XIV: A reflection from the Holy Land on war and power
Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Good Friday Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in Rome with a message warning about war, abuse of power, and the victims of global conflict.
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV presided over his first Way of the Cross at Rome's Colosseum.
- The meditations for the event were written by friar Francesco Patton, former custodian of the Holy Land.
- The message warned against tyranny and war, without naming specific countries or individuals.
- Reflections highlighted the suffering of war victims, including orphans and migrants.
- The text criticized authoritarian regimes and abuses of power, comparing them to the humiliation of Christ's passion.
- The role of mothers witnessing their children suffer from violence was emphasized.
- The work of volunteers assisting those in need was praised.
- The plight of prisoners, deported immigrants, and victims of conflict zones was remembered.
- The ceremony prayed for children robbed of their childhood and women subjected to trafficking.
- A critique of sensationalism in media and entertainment was included.
- The event was inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, with the author of the meditations being a Franciscan.