December 28, 2010. The beginning of April coincided with the end of Easter. In the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” on Easter Sunday, the Pope sent his sympathy to those affected by earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, denounced discrimination against Christians in Iraq and Pakistan, and called for an end of violence in Africa and the Holy Land.
Benedict XVI
“May God grant the strength to undertake the dialogue and peaceful coexistence for countries afflicted by terrorism and social and religious discrimination.”
The exposition of the Shroud of Turin began in April and lasted 44 days. It had not been shown in public for 10 years and it's not known when the next viewing will be; because of this more than two million pilgrims came to Turin from around the world.
By showing the Shroud of Turin, the Catholic Church hoped this would deepen pilgrims' faith in the last moments of Jesus' life and his suffering for humanity.
Also in April, the Pope traveled to Malta, following the footsteps of St. Paul. There he commemorated the 1950th anniversary of the Apostle's shipwreck on the island.
The trip lasted only 26 hours, but the Pope had a full schedule. He met with thousands of youth in the city of Valletta. He arrived at the event on a catamaran, and asked the crowds not to be afraid of the demands of Christianity.
The month ended with a musical encounter. The Italian President threw a concert for the Pope on the fifth anniversary of his pontificate. They celebrated with music by Mozart, Beethoven and the Neapolitan Giovanni Battista Sammartini.
The Pope is a lover of classical music and greatly appreciated the gift. He said it's very important that young people study music because it helps to harmonize the human and spiritual growth.
Benedict XVI also asked for prayers for him so he can fulfill his duties as pope.
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-PR
