VATICAN CITY (AP) - Tens of thousands of people packed St. Peter’s Square as Pope Benedict XVI celebrated Mass for Easter Sunday, the most joyous day on the church calendar.
The piazza, decorated with yellow tulips, blossoms and other spring flowers, overflowed with the faithful as Benedict processed into the square in his golden vestments. A choir sang hymns.
The Mass that commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
“Let the Easter light of the risen Christ enlighten our minds and hearts,” Benedict said at the start of the service.
After Sunday’s Mass, Benedict was to deliver Easter greetings in some 60 languages, as well as his annual Urbi et Orbi speech _ Latin for “to the city and the world” _ in which he typically outlines issues of concern in around the globe.
Benedict had sounded hoarse by the end of Saturday’s three-hour Easter vigil, but he appeared well-rested by Sunday morning.
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