Pope Benedict led the Stations of the Cross this Good Friday.. the AFP called it 'somber' as Italy recovers from the deadly and land-altering earthquake that took place only days ago..

Benedict prayed for the victims of the quake that devestated parts of Italy.. The Pope said that they came together Good Friday to "sing together a hymn of hope. We want to tell ourselves that all is not lost in moments of difficulty."

The Pope is leading into Easter was a series of dire words about Earth's present state and future .. UK DAILY news reporting that the Pope warned of a 'desert of godlessness .. "'We are shocked to see to what levels of brutality human beings can sink" .. "'Values and norms that held societies together and drew people to higher ideals are laughed at and thrown overboard. Jesus continues to be ridiculed" .. Fighting words from the Pontiff, who most recently found himself and his flock embroiled in a controversy about condom use in Africa..

AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca