Global Good Friday

Israel

Among the crush of pilgrims in Jerusalem, a shipping clerk from Los Angeles portrayed Jesus - a crown of thorns on his head and a large wooden cross on his bare back - in a re-enactment of the crucifixion. Anthony Rivilla recreated Jesus’ final walk along the Via Dolorosa.

Philippines

At least 13 Filipinos were nailed to crosses in San Pedro Cutud as part of rituals that have become a fixture of Easter week in Asia’s largest Catholic nation. With 4-inch nails through their hands, most stayed on the crosses under the blazing sun for about 10 minutes. The ritual is a form of penance thought to help prayers get answered.

Italy

Pope John Paul II led a torch-lit procession in Rome’s Colosseum, the ancient Roman arena. John Paul in the morning heard confessions from 10 people in St. Peter’s Basilica and later attended a long liturgical ceremony in the church.

Spain

About 500,000 turn out to watch a Good Friday procession in Seville, one of several held through Easter week in which large-sized statues of Christ or the Virgin Mary are taken through the streets. A youth brandishing a large knife triggered a crowd crush, leaving 30 people with minor injuries.