Pope says love trumps evil

By Phil Stewart

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Benedict led the world's Roman Catholics into the second Easter of his pontificate on Saturday night, telling them not to fear evil or even death.

The 79-year-old Pope presided at an elaborate Easter Vigil in St Peter's Basilica, the last event in a hectic week before Sunday's main Easter service in St. Peter's Square.

The ceremonies have commemorated Jesus Christ's suffering, death and resurrection, and mark the climax of the Christian calendar.

The German Pontiff walked solemnly as he began the service in the atrium of the largest church in Christendom, where he carved the Greek letters Alpha and Omega on a large candle.

The basilica, which was kept in darkness, became a sea of flickers as the congregation lit thousands of candles before the lights were turned on.

The gesture symbolised the darkness in the world after Christ's death and the light of the Easter resurrection.

In his homily the Pope, wearing gold and white vestments, said the resurrection of Christ lent hope to humanity -- even in its darkest moments.

"In the resurrection of Jesus, love has been shown to be stronger than death, stronger than evil," the Pope said.