Via Crucis in the Colosseum: Pope Will Carry the Cross at Each Station The Pope, León XIV, will preside over the Via Crucis ceremony in the Colosseum on Holy Friday, April 3, 2025. This event, held at the Anfiteatro Flavio, will mark the Pope’s first Via Crucis on Holy Friday, during which he will carry the cross at each of the 14 stations. The meditations for the ceremony, which recount Jesus’ journey to Golgotha, have been written by Francesco Patton, a Franciscan friar and former custodian of the Holy Land. The Office of the Press of the Holy See announced the meditations, set to be published on the morning of April 3 around noon. Francesco Patton, based at Mount Nebo in Jordan, has long been a voice for the suffering populations of the Middle East. His meditations for the 2025 ceremony reflect his deep engagement with the region’s challenges. This year’s event follows a tradition established in previous years, where the meditations were authored by Pope Francis. In 2024 and 2023, the Pope returned to Casa Santa Marta after a prolonged hospitalization at the Gemelli Policlinic in Rome. However, for the Holy Thursday rite on April 18, 2025, the ceremony was presided over by Cardinal Baldo Reina, the vicar of Rome for the Pope, at the Pope’s direction. The 2025 Via Crucis in the Colosseum is part of a broader tradition of commemorating Christ’s Passion through public rituals. The Colosseum, a symbol of Rome’s imperial past, has become a site for spiritual reflection, blending historical and religious significance. The Pope’s participation in carrying the cross at each station underscores the solemnity of the event, emphasizing the physical and spiritual burden of Christ’s journey.#colosseum #pope_leon_xiv #francesco_patton #anfiteatro_flavio #mount_nebo
Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 Makes European Debut at Rome Marathon The Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 made its first appearance on European roads last weekend during the Rome Marathon, drawing attention as the event’s centerpiece. The electric motorcycle, dressed in a camouflage livery for its debut, led a procession of Royal Enfield motorcycles through the historic streets of Rome. The cavalcade began at the marathon’s start line, where the new model was joined by a selection of classic and vintage motorcycles from the brand’s history. The route took riders through iconic landmarks, including the Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Piazza del Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Navona. Alongside the Flying Flea C6, the lineup featured Royal Enfield’s first motorized vehicle, a 1901 Quadracycle, as well as a 225cc Model 201 from 1921, a 700cc Meteor from 1953, and a Factory-prepared 350cc Bullet Trails from 1957. The event also showcased 30 Guerrilla 450 and Himalayan 450 motorcycles used by support teams, stewards, and media units. Royal Enfield’s current motorcycle range was displayed by owners from the Rome branch of the Riders Club of Europe (RCE). The brand’s partnership with the marathon organizers also included a 125km community ride by RCE members the day before the event, celebrating Royal Enfield’s 125th anniversary. Approximately 40,000 runners participated in the marathon, with participants from around 166 countries. The Flying Flea C6’s debut marked a significant moment for Royal Enfield, highlighting its transition into electric mobility while honoring its storied heritage. The event underscored the brand’s connection to both modern innovation and its deep-rooted history in motorsport and classic motorcycle culture.#royal_enfield #rome_marathon #flying_flea_c6 #riders_club_of_europe #colosseum
