Good Friday in Rome

At 6:00pm local time this afternoon in Rome (12:00noon EDT), the Holy Father, Pope Francis presided over the celebration of the Lord's Passion at the Altar of the Chair inside the Vatican Basilica.

Following the entrance procession, the Pope lay prostrate just below the stairs of the presbytery.  The triple unveiling of the Cross preceded the act of adoration.  Due to the current health regulations in place, the act of kissing the Cross was limited to the Celebrant alone.

During the Liturgy of the Word, the account of the Passion according to Saint John was read aloud, then the Preacher of the Papal Household, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, OFM Cap. delivered the homily.