As Catholics gathered in Rome's Colosseum to mark Jesus Christ's crucifixion and death on Good Friday --- Pope Benedict had a message for those feeling the sting of increasingly trying economic times.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: Pope Benedict saying (Italian):<br/> <br />"The situation of many families is made worse by the threat of unemployment and other negative effects of the economic crisis. The Way of the Cross which we have spiritually retraced this evening invites all of us, and families in particular, to contemplate Christ crucified in order to have the force to overcome difficulties."<br/> <br />The 85-year-old pontiff made his remarks as families from Italy, Ireland and Peru took turns carrying a cross around the ancient site which is associated with early Christian martyrs.<br/> <br />He also urged Catholics to focus on their loved ones and building strong family bonds in order to endure the uncertainty.<br/> <br />The economic crisis has led to increasing poverty and hardship in Europe and countries such as Greece and Italy have seen a wave of suicides in recent weeks linked to unemployment and businesses going bankrupt.<br/> <br />Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
