Pope Leo XIV carried a lightweight, five-foot wooden cross throughout the entire Way of the Cross procession at Rome's Colosseum on Good Friday, becoming the first pontiff in more than three decades to do so.

The rite, known as the Via Crucis, began around 9:15 p.m. local time and retraced the final hours of Jesus Christ's life from his condemnation to burial. Flanked by two young people bearing torches and followed by clergy, the 70-year-old pope lifted the cross aloft from his waist at the first station inside the ancient arena. Some 30,000 faithful gathered outside the Colosseum, listening to the stations recited over loudspeakers amid a candlelit atmosphere.

This act revived a tradition last fully observed by St. John Paul II through 1994. His successors carried the cross only partially or not at all; Pope Benedict XVI did so briefly at the start and end, while Pope Francis, who died last year, ceased personal participation due to health issues.

Ahead of the event, Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago and the first U.S.-born pope, explained his decision. "I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers," he told reporters. "I carry all these sufferings, too, in my prayer."

The pope, an avid tennis player and swimmer in good physical condition, also revived a pre-Francis Holy Thursday practice by publicly washing feet at St. John Lateran's basilica.

Meditations for the stations, written by Franciscan Father Francesco Patton, former custodian of the Holy Land, urged accountability for power: "The power to judge; the power to start or end a war; the power to instill violence or peace." They addressed refugees, human trafficking victims, political prisoners, war orphans, those under rubble in conflicts, and children "deported by policies devoid of compassion." Themes echoed concerns from the Middle East amid ongoing instability.

Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau, a Samoan missionary sister, described the scene as "very meaningful." The pope invited "all people of goodwill... to walk together with Christ who suffered for us... bearers of peace and not of hatred." He urged the faithful to "live our lives as a journey" following Christ's footprints.

Earlier today, Pope Leo XIV led the Celebration of the Lord's Passion in St. Peter's Basilica. Holy Week continues Saturday with the Easter Vigil and Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, including the Urbi et Orbi blessing.