VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict led the world's Roman Catholics into the second Easter of his pontificate on Saturday night, telling them not to fear evil or even death.

The 79-year-old Pope presided at an elaborate Easter Vigil in St Peter's Basilica, the last event in a hectic week before Sunday's main Easter service in St. Peter's Square.

The ceremonies have commemorated Jesus Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, and mark the climax of the Christian calendar.

	Advertisement

The German Pontiff walked solemnly as he began the service in the atrium of the largest church in Christendom, where he carved the Greek letters Alpha and Omega on a large candle.

The basilica, which was kept in darkness, became a sea of flickers as the congregation lit thousands of candles before the lights were turned on.

The gesture symbolised the darkness in the world after Christ's death and the light of the Easter resurrection.

In his homily the Pope, wearing gold and white vestments, said the resurrection of Christ lent hope to humanity -- even in its darkest moments.

"In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil," the Pope said.

He prayed that God would "descend into the darkness and abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await (God). Bring them to the light".

The Pontiff, who turns 80 this month, also baptised eight new members of the Church, six adult converts and two children. They were from China, Cuba, Cameroon, Japan and Italy.

All of the adults were women - a selection which followed Good Friday ceremonies that focused repeatedly on women, their historic role in the Church and the abuses they have endured in society.

The Pope on Friday listened to a meditation during the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) procession about women being marginalised, and mothers raising children in countries at war.

Earlier on Friday, he heard a sermon by a Vatican preacher expressing hope that the world would enter an "era of the woman, of heart, of compassion."


Saturday's service was attended by more than 10,000 people inside the basilica, and broadcast to television stations in 40 countries.

The main Easter event for the pope takes place on Sunday when he delivers his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message.