Pope Benedict celebrates Easter Sunday mass at the Vatican
Posted Apr 8, 2012 08:24:42 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican to celebrate Easter Sunday mass with Pope Benedict.
The 84-year-old Benedict looked tired after a demanding week which saw him lead a three-hour vigil on Saturday night.
Benedict took the chance to urge the Syrian regime to heed international calls to end bloodshed and commit to peaceful dialogue.
He also denounced terrorist attacks in Nigeria that have affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
In Jerusalem, Catholics and Protestants took turns holding ceremonies within the Ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher, built where many Christians believe was the site of the Crucifixion of Jesus.
Meanwhile, thousands of other Christians belonging to Eastern Orthodox churches are marking Palm Sunday.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Easter using a different calendar from Catholics and Protestants.
