Pope Francis at Via Crucis: 'Disarm the hand of brother raised against brother'

Ukrainian and Russian friends carrying cross together on Via Crucis. Screenshot

The Way of the Cross returned to the Colosseum in Rome on the evening of Good Friday, after a break of nearly three years. Pope Francis presided over the event, leading more than 10,000 faithful. The reflections on the Stations were written by families, based on their own experiences of suffering and hope.

The Way of the Cross began with the hymn Adoramus Te. Pope Francis then recited an opening prayer reflecting on the power hidden in the suffering and Cross of Christ, as well as the many aspects of family life and the hope found amidst trials.

The Risen Jesus, prayed the Pope, has offered humanity the gift of salvation and promised to dry every tear and turn all peoples into "a great family in Your house of love and peace."

Each of the fourteen Stations saw a different family carry the cross, as a Gospel passage was proclaimed and a meditation was offered. The Pope concluded each Station with a prayer and the choir sang a verse of the Stabat Mater.

The Way of the Cross meditations were written by fifteen families associated with Catholic volunteer groups, and explored various aspects of the trials and tribulations facing families across the world.

A very touching moment came in the 13th Station, which saw two women carry the cross together: Albina from Russia and Irina from Ukraine. Instead of the prepared meditation, silence spoke louder than any words.

The two women who are friends and both nurses working in Rome, held the cross and looked into each other's eyes in a glance that seemed to communicate all the pain of brothers at war and the undying hope of peace and reconciliation.

A moment's silence was observed, and everyone prayed for God's gift of peace.

Pope Francis offered no homily or reflections for the Via Crucis, allowing the families' personal experience to speak for itself. In his final prayer, the Pope prayed that the light of the Gospel might remain lit in the hearts of all families, in the midst of joys and sorrows, trials and hopes. And he asked God to let forgiveness and peace overcome our "rebellious hearts" which seek to distance us from God.

"Lord, turn our rebellious hearts to your own heart, so that we may learn to pursue plans of peace. Inspire adversaries to shake hands, and taste mutual forgiveness. Disarm the hand of brother raised against brother, so that where there is hatred, concord may flourish. Grant that we never act as enemies of the cross of Christ, so that we may share in the glory of his resurrection. Amen."

Watch the Vatican Youtube film of the evening: www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8zsdrj-Cxw