Rome’s annual Via Crucis, or Way of the Cross, will be held at the Colosseum on Good Friday, 18 April, at 21:15. The torchlit procession traces its roots back to the 1700s and was reintroduced in 1964 under Pope Paul VI.
Thousands attend the solemn ceremony, listening to meditations that reflect on the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The event forms part of the Vatican’s Holy Week liturgical calendar and does not require tickets for admission.
Pope Francis, currently recovering from pneumonia, usually leads the service but has missed the last two years.
The tradition of holding the Via Crucis at the Colosseum dates back to Pope Benedict XIV, who linked it to the early Christian martyrs. The Colosseum, which became a symbolic site of Christian persecution, provides a powerful backdrop for the ceremony. Parco Archeologico del Colosseo has confirmed that bookings for the monument are suspended on the day of the procession.
Visitors should also expect early closures of metro stations, with the Colosseo Metro station closing from 13:00. Nearby alternatives include Circo Massimo and Cavour. Road closures and public transport changes are also expected, with detours affecting several bus routes in the area.
The event will be broadcast live on RAI Uno and streamed on Vatican Media, reaching viewers around the world.
Security measures remain tight each year, with large crowds and dignitaries expected to attend.
Rome also hosts English-language church services over Easter weekend, offering options for visitors and residents alike.
