Recently, the Stations of the Cross made headlines when the 87-year-old pope had to cancel his appearance at the ceremony but later arrived in a wheelchair at Saint Peter’s Basilica to lead the event in front of thousands of pilgrims. This unexpected turn of events drew attention to the significance of the Stations of the Cross in the Catholic faith and the devotion it inspires among believers worldwide.
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Way of the Cross, depict a series of images or sculptures representing Jesus Christ's journey to his crucifixion. This practice originated in the medieval period as a way for Christians to spiritually retrace the steps of Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. The stations typically consist of 14 scenes, starting with Jesus being condemned to death and ending with his body being laid in the tomb. Pilgrims often visit churches or outdoor paths with these stations to meditate on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The Stations of the Cross are a powerful symbol of faith and redemption for Catholics and are observed especially during the Lenten season leading up to Easter.