Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus
Christ and his death at Calvary. It is observed during Holy Week as part of
the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday, and may
coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover.

The date of the holiday on the Gregorian calendar varies from one year
to the next, and there is disagreement about its calculation. It is a widely
instituted legal holiday around the world, including in most Western
countries and 12 U.S. states. Some countries, such as Germany, have
laws prohibiting certain acts, such as dancing and horse racing, that
are seen as profaning the solemn nature of the day.

SANDY KOZEL

          
              It was on this day in 1970.

Thomas Jefferson (April 13, 1743 – July 4, 1826)

Pope John Paul ll (left) shakes hands with Rabbi Eilo Toaff upon
visiting the main Synagogue in Rome on this day in 1986.

The Pope’s meeting marked the beginning of a new era in Catholic-Jewish
relations. It was the first time a pope had entered the Rome synagogue.

On this day in 1964,Sidney Poitier became the first African- American
to win an Academy Award Oscar for Best Actor for his role in Lilies
of the Field.

Sidney Poitier turned 90, February 20.

ED DONAHUE

On this day in 2005 Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, center, blesses
the coffin containing the body of Pope John Paul II during his
funeral mass in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

Pablo Ruiz y Picasso (October 25, 1881 – April 8, 1973)

It was on this day in 1974.