At 17.00 today, Good Friday, the Holy Father Francis presided over the celebration of the Passion of the Lord in the Vatican Basilica.

During the Liturgy of the Word, the account of the Passion according to John was read; the Preacher of the Papal Household, His Eminence Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, O.F.M. Cap., then delivered the homily.

The Liturgy of the Passion was followed by the Universal Prayer and the adoration of the Holy Cross, and concluded with Holy Communion.