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.

The solemn event will take place amid tight security as it coincides with the Rome visit of US vice president JD Vance who is staying in the Italian capital for the Easter weekend.

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 early closures at the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill and the Domus Aurea.

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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.

The ceremony will lead to road closures and traffic restrictions in the area around the Colosseum as well as the closure of the Colosseo subway station from 14.00.

Those who wish to reach the area on the Metro B line should get out at the Circo Massimo or Cavour stops.

The Via Crucis will be broadcast live by Italian television channel RAI Uno and live-streamed by Vatican Media.

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