Pope reaches out to Asia on Easter's eve
April 6, 1996
Web posted at: 10:25 p.m. EST (0325 GMT)VATICAN CITY (CNN) -- Pope John Paul II, holding a single lit candle, walked down the center aisle Saturday night at St. Peter's Basilica, leading 20,000 Roman Catholics in an Easter vigil.
The ceremony marks the eve of Easter and third day of Holy week commemorating Jesus Christ's passion, death and resurrection.
A sea of light from the candles held by worshipers illuminated the largest church in Christendom symbolizing the light of the arisen Christ. Christians believe that the Son of God rose from the dead three days after he was crucified.
Easter Sunday is the most important holy day for Christians because they believe Jesus' resurrection brought redemption for mankind.
The pope, in a strong voice despite recent health problems, called upon Catholics not to fear the risen Christ's message.
"Let no one be afraid of the light of Christ. His gospel is the light which does not bring death but which develops and brings to full maturity whatever is true, good and beautiful in every human culture."
He then baptized 10 converts from China, the United States, France, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Italy.
In his homily, John Paul II spoke specifically of Asia after having previously denounced discrimination against Catholics in Vietnam and China. He spoke of "the great desire of Christ and the Church to meet the populations and cultures of that immense continent, rich in history and noble traditions. You constitute in a certain way the answer of nations to the new evangelization."
The 75-year-old pope has appeared tired during the recent day's Holy Week ceremonies after a bought with fever last month.
Sunday, the pope will hold morning Mass and deliver the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" -- "To the City and to the World" -- at St. Peter's Square.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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