Pope Benedict XVI reflected on “diabolical” threats to families and the gap between the world’s rich and poor as he led a torch-lit, Way of the Cross procession at the Colosseum in Rome on Good Friday, resuming a papal tradition that dying John Paul II was forced to renounce a year ago.

Pope Benedict reflected on the suffering of Jesus Christ and that of humanity throughout the ages as he led thousands of pilgrims and tourists in a torch-lit, Way of the Cross procession at the Coliseum in Rome to mark Good Friday.

In a sign of the decline of Pope John Paul II's decline, several cardinals from the US and Latin America said they were heading to Rome.

POPE John Paul II was nearing death last night as his health suddenly worsened, drawing anguished prayers from Catholics around the world reluctant to accept his historic pontificate was at an end.