Good Friday Procession in Rome 2027

Good Friday Procession in Rome – Via Crucis at the Colosseum

Every Good Friday evening, the Pope presides over the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) beneath the floodlit arches of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, the most visible moment of Holy Week (Settimana Santa) in the Eternal City. Thousands of pilgrims follow the cross through the fourteen stations by torchlight, with a new set of meditations each year, often written by a figure outside the Vatican.

The ceremony is free and open to the public, and it is part of the Vatican’s Holy Week liturgy, which runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. The Colosseum and the surrounding archaeological area close early on the day to make way for the procession.

Holy Week Highlights:

• Via Crucis at the Colosseum: The Pope carries or accompanies the cross across the fourteen stations, with readings, prayers and silence echoing against the ancient amphitheater.
• Palm Sunday in St. Peter’s Square: The week begins with a Mass and a procession of palm and olive branches in Vatican City.
• Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica: The late-night liturgy begins in darkness with the blessing of the new fire and the lighting of the Paschal candle.
• Easter Sunday Mass & Urbi et Orbi: The Pope celebrates Mass in St. Peter’s Square and gives his traditional blessing “to the city and to the world” from the central balcony of the basilica.

Tips for Visitors & Trip Planning:

• Free Entry: No ticket is needed for the Via Crucis, and the best spots near the Colosseum fill up early in the afternoon. Attending papal Masses in St. Peter’s Square is generally free, with seats usually requested in advance from the Prefecture of the Papal Household.
• Where to Watch: If the area around the Colosseum is too full, the ceremony is broadcast live on Italian television and the Vatican’s media channels, and big screens are set up nearby.
• Getting There: Use Metro Line B to the Colosseo station, walk the final stretch and expect road closures and security checks around the amphitheater and the Roman Forum.
• What to Wear: April evenings in Rome can be cool, so bring a jacket. Churches and the Vatican require modest dress, with shoulders and knees covered.
• Accommodation: Easter is one of the busiest weeks of the year in Rome, so booking well in advance is strongly recommended.
• Explore Rome: Pair Holy Week with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, the Colosseum underground and the Roman Forum — browse top Rome tours and activities here.

The Vatican publishes the official program of Holy Week celebrations and the meditations for the Via Crucis. See details below, under “Event Related Information” section.