Pope Francis at the Colosseum for torchlight Good Friday ceremony

 

Pope Francis is presiding over a Good Friday torchlight procession at the Colosseum and is using the service to stress the persecution of Christians.

The pope has repeatedly lamented Christian suffering in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere.

Reflecting this concern, among those chosen to take turns carrying the cross in the Way of the Cross procession in the ancient arena were faithful from Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt and China. 

Thousands of people congregate outside the Colosseum for Way of the Cross procession

A group of nuns hold their candles in front of the Colosseum as they wait for the pope to speak

Standing under a red canopy this evening Francis listened to prayers affirming the right of religious freedom

 

 Pope Francis washes and kisses the feet of former Miss Italy contestant Silvy Lubamba, who was jailed for three years and nine months for the repeated fraudulent use of credit cards