Why is there such an emphasis on Jesus's suffering - particularly by the Catholic Church? It seems too me that the suffering of Jesus is exaggerated.  I mean so many people have suffered tremendously for years. For example, handicapped/sick people, prisoners, holocaust victims etc.

I don't understand why one person who suffered just a few hours / days is so special.  What makes people want to magnify/emphasize the suffering of Jesus so much?
On the surface, Christ's suffering may not appear necessarily unique in respect to the levels or duration of either physical or emotional pain, but it was certainly unique in respect to the nature of the sufferer and the spiritual dimension of the suffering: The completely innocent Incarnate Creator suffering at the hands of his rebellious creation; and the bearing of the burden of the sins of the whole world and consequential estrangement (albeit temporarily) from the intimate fellowship (enjoyed from eternity past) of the Heavenly Father. (cf. Philippians 2:5-8, Isaiah 53, Matthew 26:36-42 &amp; 27:46)

edit: I believe the preceding paragraph would be largely agreeable to most Nicaean Christians. Catholics in particular are often encouraged to meditate on the suffering of Christ as it helps to develop a greater appreciation of Christ's work overall and leads the believer to turn their heart whole-heartedly to the Lord.  An example of this is the contemplation of the stations of the cross.