Vatican City, Mar 26, 2005 / 22:00 pm
Tens of thousands from around the world gathered for the solemn Easter mass in St. Peter's Square this morning to celebrate the Resurrected Christ and to receive the Pope's benediction.
Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano presided at the 10:30 a.m. mass, standing in for the ailing Pontiff, but the frail Pope John Paul II did not disappoint. He appeared at his study window at the end of mass and gave the faithful his blessing, though he was unable to speak.
During the Mass, the Pope's window was kept open and his coat of arms was hung outside, reminding the faithful of his spiritual presence.
Unable to preside at any of this year's Holy Week celebrations for the first time in his 26-year pontificate due to poor health, the Pope issued repeated messages, assuring Catholics that he is spiritually with them.