Pope prostrates himself in Good Friday service to recall death and suffering of Jesus Christ

Pope Francis prostrated himself in prayer during a solemn Good Friday service in St Peter’s Basilica to recall the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. His quiet reflection came hours before he was due at the Colosseum for the Way of the Cross procession that is being held this year under exceptionally tight security.

The 80-year-old pope lay for several minutes before the central altar at the basilica. He wore crimson-coloured vestments for the day commemorating the suffering of Jesus.

Papal preacher the Reverend Raniero Cantalamessa told the faithful they were recalling the “violent death” of Jesus 2,000 years ago, because the crucifixion “changed forever the very face of death.”

Cantalamessa called the cross the definitive “’No’ of God to violence, injustice, hate, lies.”

Francis was scheduled to give his own homily Friday night at the traditional Way of the Cross procession in the Colosseum in Rome. Hours before the procession was scheduled to start, security was exceedingly tight around the ancient arena.