Pope Prays At Colosseum Cross Procession

ROME (AP) — Pope Benedict XVI, tourists and Romans are praying together at the traditional Good Friday candlelit procession at the Colosseum in Rome.

Crowds of faithful clutched candles and prayer books outside the ancient arena in the heart of the Italian capital. The pope, who turns 85 on April 16, wasn’t carrying the cross, but prepared a speech to read at the end of the long ceremony.

Benedict chose an Italian couple, who have been married for some 60 years, to compose the reflections read aloud during the procession. Benedict, wearing red robes to symbolize the blood shed by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, listened intently in the mild night air.

Benedict will preside over Easter Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday morning.