The pontiff used his traditional Good Friday Colosseum procession to speak about the persecution of Christians around the world.
He said too often other Christians failed to speak up when believers were targeted in the Middle East, Africa and elsewhere.
"We see, even today, our brothers persecuted, beheaded and crucified, for their faith in you, in front of our eyes or often with our complicit silence," he said during a prayer.
Francis sat silently with his eyes shut and head bowed for most of the torch-lit service as the details of Jesus' passion were read.
At the ceremony Christians from Iraq, Syria, Nigeria, Egypt and China were chosen to carry the cross.
All of them had experienced some form of persecution for their beliefs.
During the service a prayer was said for the "fundamental right of religious freedom" for all parts of the world.
The Holy Father will lead the Easter vigil Mass tonight in St Peter's Basilica whilst the Easter Sunday service will be held in St Peter's Square.