Below is the full translation of Pope Benedict XVI’s Easter Urbi et Orbi message, courtesy of Vatican Radio.

“In resurrectione tua, Christe, coeli et terra laetentur!
In your resurrection, O Christ, let heaven and earth rejoice!” (Liturgy of the Hours).

Pope Benedict XVI delivers 'Urbi et Orbi' Message | Credit: AP

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Rome and across the world, Easter morning brings us news that is ancient yet ever new: Christ is risen! The echo of this event, which issued forth from Jerusalem twenty centuries ago, continues to resound in the Church, deep in whose heart lives the vibrant faith of Mary, Mother of Jesus, the faith of Mary Magdalene and the other women who first discovered the empty tomb, and the faith of Peter and the other Apostles.

Right down to our own time – even in these days of advanced communications technology – the faith of Christians is based on that same news, on the testimony of those sisters and brothers who saw firstly the stone that had been rolled away from the empty tomb and then the mysterious messengers who testified that Jesus, the Crucified, was risen. And then Jesus himself, the Lord and Master, living and tangible, appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, and finally to all eleven, gathered in the Upper Room (cf. Mk 16:9-14).

The resurrection of Christ is not the fruit of speculation or mystical experience: it is an event which, while it surpasses history, nevertheless happens at a precise moment in history and leaves an indelible mark upon it. The light which dazzled the guards keeping watch over Jesus’ tomb has traversed time and space. It is a different kind of light, a divine light, that has rent asunder the darkness of death and has brought to the world the splendour of God, the splendour of Truth and Goodness.

Six years ago today, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected the 265th Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, choosing the name Benedict XVI. Below, a reminder of what that day was like for Catholics around the world. Enjoy!

Credit: Reuters

Over the last week or two, the conflict gripping Libya has been in the forefront of most American and international news agencies. In the United States, the debate has surrounded whether or not President Barack Obama had the constitutional authority to commit U.S. armed forces personnel to the international response approved by the United Nations. However, I raised a more important question: is the use of military force in Libya moral?

Until this afternoon, the Holy See has been rather neutral on the conflict in Libya. The only public statements released from the Pope have been those offering prayers and solidarity with the people of the region. The Holy Father has also asked those in positions of military and political responsibilities to ensure the safety of civilians and the accessibility of humanitarian aid. However, today we see a different tone from the Vatican, one that is calling the current use of force into question.

Following the middy Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict XVI released the following statement regarding the situation in Libya:

URBI ET ORBI MESSAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI

CHRISTMAS 2010

“Verbum caro factum est” – “The Word became flesh” (Jn 1:14).

2008 Urbi et Orbi Message | Credit: Getty Images

Dear brothers and sisters listening to me here in Rome and throughout the world, I joyfully proclaim the message of Christmas: God became man; he came to dwell among us. God is not distant: he is “Emmanuel”, God-with-us. He is no stranger: he has a face, the face of Jesus.

This message is ever new, ever surprising, for it surpasses even our most daring hope. First of all, because it is not merely a proclamation: it is an event, a happening, which credible witnesses saw, heard and touched in the person of Jesus of Nazareth! Being in his presence, observing his works and hearing his words, they recognized in Jesus the Messiah; and seeing him risen, after his crucifixion, they were certain that he was true man and true God, the only-begotten Son come from the Father, full of grace and truth (cf. Jn 1:14).

“The Word became flesh”. Before this revelation we once more wonder: how can this be? The Word and the flesh are mutually opposed realities; how can the eternal and almighty Word become a frail and mortal man? There is only one answer: Love. Those who love desire to share with the beloved, they want to be one with the beloved, and Sacred Scripture shows us the great love story of God for his people which culminated in Jesus Christ.

Even though our German Shepherd’s trip to the United Kingdom ended some two weeks ago, the impact of a such a trip is already making waves. Let’s reminisce a bit.

A special thanks to Marcello Marinoni for these pictures. You can follow Marcello on Twitter: @Bastapastamama.