ROME, April 7 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of pilgrims from around the world have traveled to Rome to take part in the city's Holy Week leading up to Easter Sunday.
Thousands of those foreign pilgrims were on hand at the Roman Coliseum Friday night carrying lit candles as Pope Benedict XVI led religious dignitaries in ceremonial prayer at the ancient site, the BBC reported.
Thousands more are expected to recognize Easter Sunday with a demonstration across Rome that would celebrate those international counties that recently abolished the death penalty.
The pope meanwhile will be offering loyal followers of the Catholic Church his annual Easter blessing and delivering the church's traditional message to the world, the report said.
The BBC said that prior to Sunday's ceremonies, the religious leader will lead Easter midnight mass at St Peter's Basilica to help recognize the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
