Pope Francis presides over the Via Sacra, in an almost empty St. Peter’s Square: a poignant symbol of the loneliness and isolation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic imbued with the hope provided by the reflections prepared by the children.
By Linda Bordoni
The loneliness and isolation of men and women around the world, separated from their families and friends, deprived of their work and livelihoods, living in fear of an uncertain future for themselves and their children, were poignantly present during the “Caminho do Cruz” on the second day of the Easter Triduum of 2021.
For the second consecutive year, 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 contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic,
A lonely figure, dressed in white, sitting in the center of an empty stage placed in front of the Basilica, the Holy Father looked at the dark square where few children, accompanied by their parents, catechists and teachers, took turns to carry the obelisk cross.
One after another, they read their reflections while their companions carried the Cross along a circular path marked by torches lit on the floor in the center of the Square.
In fact, the Pope chose this year to entrust children and young people – symbols of hope and the future – with the preparation of the meditations for 2021 Via Crucis.
The tradition of Via Crucis
For more than 50 years, since Pope Paul VI revived the ancient tradition “Via Crucis” in 1964, the Popes have conducted this powerful rite that re-enacts the passion and death of Jesus Christ on the backdrop of the Coliseum in Rome. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic last year, restrictions put in place to contain 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 media.
Each season began with a reading of the relevant passage from the Gospel account of passion, followed by meditation. This was followed by the reading of a Pope’s prayer and the singing of a hymn.
No need for words
Pope Francis, of course, felt no need for words and did not give a homily.
The crucifix’s silence and contemplation were the most powerful means of communication in a silenced world in which the virus continues to bring pain and loneliness, and where marginalization, unemployment, poverty, injustice and the “virus” of indifference continue spreading death and despair.
Children: hope for the future
During the 14th and final season, it was highlighted how children and young people hold the key and the hope of rebirth: “Lord, merciful Father,” said the prayer, “once again this year we follow your Son Jesus on the way of the Cross. We follow you by listening to the voices and prayers of the children that you have placed before us as a model to enter your kingdom ”.
Help us to be like them: small, in need of everything, open to life. May we regain our purity of heart and our ability to see things in a clear light.
We ask you to bless and protect all children in our world. May all children grow in wisdom, age and grace, and thus know and follow their special plan for their happiness.
The words were clearly redundant for Pope Francis tonight: A lonely prophet dressed in white in the center of a vast and dark stage, the Pope granted his Apostolic Blessing, thanked the children for their reflections and slowly made his way, on foot, from back to the Basilica.
Photo gallery
Via Crucis 2021 images in St. Peter’s Square led by Pope Francis