Way of the Cross at the Colosseum in 2025.

The annual Via Crucis or Way of the Cross ceremony will take place at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, 18 April, at 21.15.

The torchlit procession - which dates to the 18th century and was revived in 1964 - attracts thousands of faithful who listen to meditations re-enacting Christ's crucifixion.

There are no tickets required for the Via Crucis which is part of the Vatican's liturgical programme for Holy Week or Settimana Santa.

The event will result in closures at the Colosseum, with bookings currently closed for that day, according to a statement on the website of the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo. 

Cardinal Baldo Reina, the pope's vicar general of Rome, will preside over the ceremony.

Traditionally the Via Crucis is presided over by the pope, however Francis is currently convalescing from pneumonia and has not attended the event for the last two years.

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The solemn event, which takes place amid tight security, will be broadcast live by Italian television channel RAI Uno and live-streamed by Vatican Media.

The Via Crucis usually leads to road closures and bus detours in the area around the Colosseum as well as the closure of the Colosseo subway station from 13.00.

The next nearest Metro B stations are Circo Massimo and Cavour.

Full transport details will be available on Rome's mobility website nearer the time (we will update this article).

Cover image: Via Crucis at the Colosseum in 2019. Photo credit: AM113 / Shutterstock.com.