POPE LEO CARRIED a wooden cross for all of the 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff, marking the first time in decades that a pope carried the cross to every station.

“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,” Leo told reporters this week outside of the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo.

“I carry all of this suffering in my prayer.”

Inside the Colosseum in Rome, Leo lifted the cross and began the rite flanked by two torchbearers, who accompanied him throughout the hour-long procession from inside the Colosseum, through the crowd outside and up steep stairs to the Palantine Hill where he gave the final blessing.

At the first station, marking the moment Jesus was condemned to death, the meditation prepared especially for Leo’s first Good Friday underlined that those with authority will have to answer to God for how they exercise their power.

Some 30,000 faithful gathered outside the pagan monument, following the stations as they were recited over loudspeakers.

They included Sister Pelenatita Kieoma Finau from Samoa and a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary.

“We have been part of our parish stations of the cross, but this is so exciting,” she said.

“It is very meaningful to have the experience of being with the people of Rome on this special occasion.”

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The Way of the Cross commemorates the final hours of Jesus’s life, from his death sentence to taking up the cross to his crucifixion, death and burial.

The procession ends outside the Colosseum atop the Palatine Hill.

At 70, Leo is physically fit and an avid tennis player and swimmer.

Before becoming pope, Leo would work out regularly at a gym near the Vatican, with a plan befitting a man in his early 50s, according to his former trainer.

Today, Holy Saturday, the pontiff will preside over a late night Easter vigil, during which he will baptise new Catholics, and lead Roman Catholics into Christianity’s most joyous celebration marking Christ’s resurrection.

On Easter Sunday, the pope will celebrate an open air Mass in St Peter’s Square before delivering his Easter message and offer the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the city of Rome and the world.