Pope Leo carries cross in 'Via Crucis' procession at Rome's famed Colosseum

Pope Leo marked the first Good Friday of his papacy, presiding over a traditional "Way of the Cross" procession at Rome's famed Colosseum on Friday (April 3).

Leo, the first U.S. pope and at age 70 a relatively young pontiff, carried a tall wooden cross during a traditional procession known as a Via Crucis (Way of the Cross), which marks 14 of the final moments in Jesus' life, from his sentencing to death up to his burial.

The pope stopped at various points inside the Colosseum to hear Bible readings, writings from St. Francis of Assisi, and the spiritual meditations, which focused extensively on social justice issues.

Good Friday is the second of four Catholic holidays leading to Easter Sunday, when Leo will deliver a special blessing and message from the balcony of St. Peter's ​Basilica.

One of the most closely watched appointments on the Vatican's calendar, the Easter speech is usually a time when the pope makes a major international appeal.

-Production: Oriana Boselli/Reuters