Rome: Easter comes at a difficult time for the Vatican, with the Catholic Church under pressure over allegations of child abuse

Christian holy week celebrations are underway around the world at this hour as millions of the faithful mark Good Friday, which commemorates the death of Jesus Christ. +++LM-REIN+++ In Jerusalem, thousands of pilgrims took part in the traditional procession through the Via Dolorosa. Here they re-trace the steps Jesus is believed to have taken as he walked to his crucifixion -- pausing at the 14 "stations of the cross" marking the Good Friday passion. +++LM-RAUS+++ Meanwhile in Rome, this Easter comes at a difficult time for the Vatican, with the Catholic Church under pressure over a wave of allegations of child abuse. +++MAZ+++