As Holy Week nears an end, Christians around the world are observing Good Friday, which recalls Jesus' death by crucifixion.

Holy Week began with Palm Sunday, in commemoration of the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago.

It continued with Holy Wednesday and then Maundy Thursday, when Pope Francis washed the feet of 12 inmates and a baby at Rome's main prison in a pre-Easter ritual meant to show his willingness to serve.

On Good Friday in the Philippines, . Asia's largest Roman Catholic nation, devotees had themselves nailed to wooden crosses to mimic the suffering of Jesus Christ. Church leaders have spoken against the annual practice mixing Catholic devotion with folk belief.

Standing under a red canopy on the warm evening, In Rome on Good Friday, the pope listened to prayers affirming the right of religious freedom.

The pontiff will celebrate Easter Mass in St. Peter's Square Sunday.

Here is a gallery of Holy Week images from around the world.