Pope Francisco prays on the floor during the Passion of Christ

Pope Francisco prays from the floor

The newly elected Pope Francisco carried out in the St. Peter’s Basilica the Passion of Christ, the first of his pontificate, which he began by praying for several minutes while lying on the ground. Thousands of people including the Diplomatic Corps attended to the Holy Branch temple of the Vatican for the rite of Good Friday.

The liturgy of Good Friday is the only one of the year in which there is no consecration, but there is the communion. The ceremony is presided over by a cross covered with a red cloth on the altar of the St. Peter’s Basilica. The Passion of Christ is sung by three deacons with the help of the Sistine Chapel Choir.

While the pope’s chair is located in front of the image of St. Peter, a few meters from the main altar. The religious leader, during the ceremony, was aided by Cardinals Kurt Koch and Giovanni Lajolo. The temple was dimly lit to symbolize the penance climate of the celebration.