Pope Benedict XVI leads Easter Vigil

Pope Benedict XVI lead the traditional Easter Vigil late on Saturday in Rome's Basilica of St Peter, describing the resurrection of Christ as the triumph of love over death.

Pope Benedict XVI lead the traditional Easter Vigil late on Saturday in Rome's Basilica of St Peter, describing the resurrection of Christ as the triumph of love over death.

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"This is the joy of the Easter Vigil: we are free. In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil," Benedict said.

During the evening ceremony, the 79-year-old pontiff also administered the sacraments to six converts, all women, and baptized two children.

Benedict will celebrate the second Easter Mass of his pontificate Sunday in St Peter's Square and will impart his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing "to the city and the world."