Daily Catholic News:
Pope Leo XIV made a significant gesture on Good Friday by personally carrying the cross at every station of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. This marked the first time in several years that a pope has taken on this task. During the event, Pope Leo XIV encouraged the faithful to view their lives as a journey in Christ’s love.
In addition to leading the Way of the Cross, Pope Leo XIV also celebrated Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion in St. Peter’s Basilica. Following the proclamation of the Gospel of John’s account of Christ’s passion, Father Roberto Pasolini, OFMCap, the papal preacher, delivered a homily.
In Bangladesh, migrant Catholic garment workers commemorated Good Friday with a Passion play. Approximately 200 workers, far from their home villages, gathered near Dhaka to reenact the Passion at a church center that serves 1,700 faithful in the industrial zone.
In France, a significant increase in adult baptisms is expected this Easter. The French Bishops’ Conference released data indicating that over 13,000 adults are set to be baptized this year, marking a 28% increase compared to 2025. This surge in baptisms is a positive sign for the Catholic community in France.