The conflict in Ukraine overshadowed Friday’s “Way of the Cross” prayer session in Rome’s Colosseum, which drew tens of thousands of devout.

Due to the Covid epidemic, the annual Good Friday ceremony at the Roman monument was postponed until this year. It was the first time the event has been staged there since then.

He hoped that the “adversaries” may “shake hands” and “experience mutual forgiveness” as he again decried the bloodshed in Ukraine and urged for an Easter truce.

It was his command: “Disarm the rising hand of sibling against sibling.”

For the 14 stations of the cross, two ladies from different countries, one Russian and one Ukrainian, were entrusted with bearing the crucifix in their families’ hands.

When the traditional Way of the Cross procession recounts Jesus’ 14 stations of suffering and death from his sentencing to his burial, the women traditionally carried the cross.

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