Praying the Way of the Cross in the Vatican Gardens
Listening to the Voice of the Lord
Together through the Vatican Gardens to relive the sorrowful Passion of Christ. As is tradition, this year as well, the Governorate of the Vatican City State promoted the pious exercise of praying the Way of the Cross for its employees.
Led by the Secretary General Archbishop Emilio Nappa, the working community of the Governorate took part in the procession through the beautiful gardens on a sunny Tuesday morning, March 24. As Pope Leo XIV emphasized in his Message for Lent 2026: “The Lenten journey is a welcome opportunity to heed the voice of the Lord and renew our commitment to following Christ, accompanying him on the road to Jerusalem, where the mystery of his passion, death and resurrection will be fulfilled.”
The Way of the Cross procession began in front of the Governorate building and proceeded upward to the Grotto of Lourdes, along a path immersed in the greenery of nature. The stations were recited by all the Directorates or Central Offices of the Governorate, guided by their respective chaplains. As usual, the Events Coordination office organized the program.
At the end of the 14 stations, Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate, offered a brief reflection, and Archbishop Emilio Nappa, Secretary General, blessed those present.
Among the participants were Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín, Papal Almoner, Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Secretary General, the Directors, Deputy Directors, Heads of Central Offices, and the chaplains of the various Directorates and Central Offices.
The President’s Reflection:
Dear brothers and sisters,
Thank you for choosing to take part together, once again this year, in the Way of the Cross organized by the Governorate.
In his Message for Lent 2026, Pope Leo XIV invited us to consider this important season of the liturgical year as a favorable opportunity to listen to the voice of the Lord and renew the decision to follow Christ, walking with Him on the road that leads up to Jerusalem, where the mystery is fulfilled of His passion, death, and resurrection.
He pointed out some concrete ways to free our spirit from all the burdens—both interior and exterior—that often weigh it down. Among these Pope Leo mentions refraining from words that “offend and hurt our neighbor.” In particular, he asks us to disarm “our language, avoiding harsh words and rash judgement, refraining from slander and speaking ill of those who are not present and cannot defend themselves.” He invites us to make an effort to measure our words and cultivate kindness and honesty, in every place and situation. In this way, “many words of hatred will give way to words of hope and peace,” In a historical moment so turbulent on the international stage, marked by wars, violence and destruction, our communal celebration of the Way of the Cross offers us a valuable opportunity to pray together for peace, for harmony among individuals and nations, and to foster constructive dialogue that can replace the logic of weapons and conflict.
The Way of the Cross is also an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of suffering, which all of us, without exception, experience in our lives. Through his Cross, Jesus saved fallen humanity, paying an extremely high price: his own Blood. In doing so, he showed that he gave his life for those he loves. For this reason, Jesus shares in our difficulties and becomes our companion along the journey, even in the most difficult moments. He knows well how heavy our personal sufferings are, because he carried his and our crosses on his shoulders. We must remember this whenever we doubt, even for a moment, his love for us.
This deep awareness can help us rediscover solidarity with all those whom the Lord places on our path. In this regard, let us follow the example of Simon of Cyrene: it is not necessary to do great things or go far away. It is enough to open the eyes of our heart and recognize Jesus in every brother and sister, helping them to carry their cross. Indeed, all of us can offer something to others wherever we spend our day—both here in our work within Vatican City State and beyond—even if it is only a smile, a kind word, a gesture of friendship, or a small act of assistance. Every time we support others, even in a simple and concrete way, we help Jesus, as did Simon of Cyrene. Let us try to do this together in these final days that lead to Easter Sunday.
With this shared invitation, I wish all of you present here and your families—also on behalf of the Secretaries General—a holy Triduum and a peaceful Happy Easter.
