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Pope Leo XIV prays lying on the floor of the Vatican Basilica for the Passion of Christ
Pope Leo XIV presided this Good Friday over the rite commemorating the Passion of Christ in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the first of his pontificate, which began by following the tradition of praying lying on the floor. The pontiff, dressed in red vestments symbolizing martyrdom, began the ceremony completely lying on a carpet before the Altar of the Confession, which marks the exact spot where, according to tradition, the Apostle Peter was buried.
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV presided over the Good Friday rite commemorating the Passion of Christ at St. Peter's Basilica.
- He revived the tradition of lying prostrate on the floor before the Altar of the Confession during the ceremony.
- This practice had been discontinued by his predecessor, Pope Francis, since 2022 due to mobility issues.
- The rite is one of the most solemn in the liturgical calendar and is the only day of the year without consecration, though communion is given.
- Following the homily by Father Roberto Pasolini, the day concludes with the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum.