To commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Christians today are observing Good Friday traditions. From prayers and processions to cross re-enactments and Pope Francis’s first Good Friday in the Vatican, see how the devout are marking a most solemn day ahead of the Easter holiday.
An Indian Christian, dressed as Jesus Christ, carries a cross while reenacting Jesus's path to crucification on Good Friday in Gauhati, India.
Anupam Nath
Actors take part in a "Via Crucis" (Way of the Cross) re-enactment of the Last Supper in preparation for Good Friday celebrations in Luque, Paraguay.
Penitents of the Jesus Yacente brotherhood take part in one of hundreds of Holy Week processions in Zamora, Spain.
Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP
A devotee dressed as Jesus Christ re-enacts one of three falls that, according to the Bible, Jesus suffered during the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in Gawahati, India.
EPA/STR/Landov
Hooded penitents flagellate themselves as they make their way to the cross during Good Friday rituals in the Philippines's Pampanga province. Several devotees had themselves nailed to crosses Friday to remember Jesus Christ's suffering and death, an annual rite rejected by church leaders in this predominantly Roman Catholic country.
An Indian Christian prays at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Good Friday in Hyderabad, India.
Mahesh Kumar A./AP
Penitents of Gypsy brotherhood announce with bells the beginning of their procession during the Malaga Holy Week in Andalusia, Spain. In Spain, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday are all national holidays. Long processions take place through the streets with religious floats and sculptures.
Indian Christian devotees pray on Good Friday in Jammu, India.
Catholic nuns in prayer facing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, as faithful wait for the church’s doors to be unlocked and opened to celebrate and pray on Good Friday.
Two pastors carry the cross during a Good Friday procession in Berlin.
Christian devotees pray in a church on Good Friday in New Delhi.
Devotees touch the Christ the Saviour sculpture after taking part in a religious ritual at Malvarrosa Beach, in which believers throw a laurel crown into the sea in remembrance of fallen seamen, during a Good Friday procession in Valencia, Spain.
Manuel Bruque/EPA/Landov
Pope Francis lies down in prayer during the Passion of Christ Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica. Pope Francis began the Good Friday service at the Vatican with the Mass and will go to the Colosseum in Rome for the traditional Way of the Cross procession.
Gregorio Borgia/AP
