On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, St. Peter’s Basilica will display the relic of the Holy Cross, known as the Lignum Crucis, for veneration by the faithful. The relic will be exposed in the Choir Chapel, located in the Lodge of Veronica, immediately following the Office of Readings and Lauds at 9:00 a.m. This moment of profound recollection and prayer is a pivotal part of the Easter Triduum celebrations at the Vatican.
The fragment of the Holy Cross is preserved in St. Peter’s Basilica and is believed to be part of the cross on which Jesus was crucified. It is located on one of the four pillars that support the central dome of the basilica, specifically on the statue of Saint Helena, who according to tradition, discovered the cross in Jerusalem and brought fragments to Rome.
In addition to the veneration of the Holy Cross, St. Peter’s Basilica will hold its own liturgical events during Holy Week. These include the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, Eucharistic adoration, and Solemn Vespers on Easter Sunday. Pope Francis, due to health reasons, has delegated some cardinals to preside over certain liturgical celebrations.