Pope Benedict XVI rejoiced over conversions to Christianity a day after he baptized a prominent Muslim, marking Easter Sunday in a rain-drenched appearance in which he renewed calls for peace in Iraq, the Holy Land and Tibet.
A white canopy on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica protected the 80-year-old pontiff from a downpour while thousands of pilgrims, tourists and Romans braved thunder and wind-whipped rain to attend Easter Mass in the square.
On Easter, Christians celebrate their belief in the resurrection of Jesus two days after he was crucified. 
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