Pope Francis presides over the Way of the Cross, in an almost empty St. Peter’s Square: a powerful symbol of the loneliness and isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic imbued with the hope offered by the reflections prepared by children.
By Linda Bordoni
The loneliness and isolation of men and women around the world, separated from their families and friends, deprived of their jobs and livelihoods, living in fear of an uncertain future for themselves and their children, were intensely present during “The Way The Cross ”on the second day of the Easter Triduum 2021.
For the second year in a row, Pope Francis led the traditional Good Friday Via Crucis in an almost empty St. Peter’s Square due to restrictions imposed by the Italian government to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
A solitary silhouette in white, placed in the center of an empty stage located in front of the Basilica, the Holy Father looked over the dark square where few children, accompanied by their parents, catechists and teachers, took turns to carry crosses around the obelisk .
One by one, they read their reflections as their companions carried the Cross along a circular path marked by torches lit on the ground in the center of the Square.
In fact, this year the Pope has chosen to entrust children and young people – symbols of hope and the future – with the preparation private lessons for 2021 Way of the Cross.
The Via Crucis tradition
For more than 50 years, since Pope Paul VI revived the ancient “Via Crucis” tradition in 1964, popes have led this powerful rite that brings back the passion and death of Jesus Christ against the backdrop of the Colosseum in Rome. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, restrictions implemented to reduce infections have affected all public events, including this one. However, it is broadcast and broadcast to a global audience of hundreds of millions on all continents through the Vatican press.
Each post began with a reading of the relevant passage from the Gospel account of the passion, followed by a meditation. This was followed by the reading of a prayer by the Pope and the singing of a hymn.
No words needed
Pope Francis, it was clear, did not feel the need for words and did not say a homily.
Silence and contemplation of the crucifix were the most powerful means of communication in a silent world where the virus continues to bring pain and loneliness and where marginalization, unemployment, poverty, injustice and the “virus” of indifference continue to cause death and despair. .
Children: hope for the future
During the 14th and last station, the way in which children and young people hold the key and the hope of rebirth was highlighted: “Lord, merciful Father”, the prayer was written “once again this year I have followed your Son Jesus on the crossroads. I followed him listening to the voices and prayers of the children you yourself set before us as a model to enter your kingdom. ”
Help us to be like them: few, who need everything, open to life. Let us regain the purity of our heart and the ability to see things in a clear light.
Please bless and protect every child in our world. May all children grow in wisdom, age and grace and thus come to know and follow your special plan for their happiness.
The words were clearly redundant for Pope Francis tonight: a lone white prophet in the center of a wide, dark scene, the Pope gave his Apostolic Blessing, thanked the children for their reflections, and slowly made his way on foot. , back to the Basilica.
Photo gallery
Images from the Via Crucis from 2021 in St. Peter’s Square, led by Pope Francis