Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in 2026.
The annual Via Crucis or Way of the Cross ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, 3 April, at 21.15.
The torchlit procession – which dates to the 18th century and was revived in 1964 – attracts thousands of faithful who listen to meditations re-enacting Christ’s crucifixion.
This year’s Via Crucis will be the first to be presided over by Pope Leo XIV, following the death of his predecessor Pope Francis on Easter Monday 2025.
There are no tickets required for solemn event which is part of the Vatican’s liturgical programme for Holy Week or Settimana Santa, and which will result in the early closure of the Colosseum.
The ceremony will lead to road closures and traffic restrictions in the area around the Colosseum as well as the closure of the Colosseo subway station from 14.00.
Those who wish to reach the area on the Metro B line should get out at the Circo Massimo or Cavour stops.
The Via Crucis will be broadcast live by Italian television channel RAI Uno and live-streamed by Vatican Media.
Cover image: Via Crucis at the Colosseum in 2019. Photo credit: AM113 / Shutterstock.com.
