Vatican City, Apr 15, 2006 / 22:00 pm
After presiding over the Sunday Mass of the Resurrection celebrated this morning on Saint Peters Square, Pope Benedict gave his message “Urbi et Orbi”, (to the city and to the world) from the central balcony, inviting humanity no to have fear and to open its heart to Jesus risen, echoing the words of the angel: "Do not be afraid! ... He is not here; he is risen (Mt 28:5-6)".
“Christ is risen!” was the exclamation with which the Holy Father started his Easter message to the World. “Numerous paschal candles were lighten in churches, symbolizing the light of Christ that shines on humanity, defeating darkness , sin and evil for ever” said the Pontiff before more than 150.000 faithful gathered on the Vatican square.
Moreover, in his message preceding the blessing, the Pope reflected on the words of the angel in the tomb: “He is not here, he rose again,” affirming that “the Son of God could not be kept imprisoned in death, and the tomb couldn’t keep the 'Living,' himself the source of all life.”
After stressing that in the resurrection, “the Lord of Saturday fulfilled the work of the creation, elevating Man and the entire cosmos to the glory of freedom of the sons of God,” he added that “fulfilling this extraordinary work, the body was filled with the vital blow of God and rose again glorious.”