VATICAN CITY (AP) Pope Benedict has opened the Vatican's vigil Mass on the eve of Easter.

The pope carried a tall, lit candle symbolizing Christian hope into a dramatically darkened St. Peter's Basilica packed with faithful. A chant of "Lumen Christi," Latin for "light of Christ," echoed in the cavernous basilica.

Then the vast space began twinkling with light as cardinals and other prelates lit their candles from the flame on the pope's Easter candle. One by one, members of the congregation lit their neighbor's candle in a quick succession of lights.

A light switch was thrown, and the Mass began, led by Benedict, dressed in gold-and-white colored vestments.

Tomorrow morning, Easter Sunday, Benedict will celebrate Mass in St. Peter's Square, then read his Easter message for the world at noon.

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