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Vatican City,
27th March 2005 (CNA)
- 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.
The faithful also prayed that God give
"life and new energy" to the Church and "to our
bishop and Pope, John Paul II."
At the end of the mass, the Pope in his
white cassock was seen at his window as Cardinal
Sodano read the Pontiff's Urbi et Orbi message.
After the message, a priest announced that
the Pope would give the crowd a special blessing.
What followed was a moving scene.
Aides brought a microphone to the Pope's
mouth. Raising his hands in a show of
extraordinary will, the 84-year-old pontiff tried
to speak but was only able to make a few sounds,
unable to pronounce any words. The aides removed
the microphone and the Pope proceeded silently to
make the sign of the cross over the emotional
crowd.
The mass was broadcast live. Many pilgrims
in the square were shown crying and expressing
their hope and admiration for their spiritual
leader.
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