Amid security threats of possible Hezbollah attacks, tens of thousands visited Jerusalem on Good Friday to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus of Nazareth at Calvary.

The religious visitors came from Spain, Poland, the Philippines, Brazil and other African nations. Fewer local Christians however were seen compared to previous years due to sporadic militant assaults from neighboring countries.

When a high-ranking Lebanese official was assassinated last February, residents from the West Bank were banned from entering Israel; preventing a great number of Palestinian Christians to journey through the walled city.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI led the faithful from different nations with the Way of the Cross procession in Central Rome's Colosseum, and thereafter celebrated the Passion of Christ at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City.