Pope Francis set to preside over Easter Vigil in Saint Peter's Basilica

(Vatican Radio) On the evening of April 19, Pope Francis is scheduled to preside over the Easter Vigil celebration in Saint Peter's Basilica.

During this celebration the Pope will baptise ten catechumens, the youngest of whom is a seven year old Italian and the eldest a fifty- eight year old from Vietnam. The catechumens come from a number of different countries including France, Bielorussia, Lebanon and Senegal.

On Easter Sunday morning Pope Francis will preside over Holy Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at 10.15 a.m. and will then impart his traditional ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing, to the city and to the world from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The mass will take place in a colourful floral setting, a yearly gift from the florists of the Netherlands and the liturgical rite will be accompanied by music from both the Eastern and Western Christian traditions.