Pope will give Easter blessing

VATICAN CITY - Pope John Paul II, who is currently hospitalized in Rome, will give his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing on Easter Sunday, the Vatican said in a statement Tuesday.
In the statement the Vatican also published the list of the officials who will celebrate the Holy Week ceremonies -- normally presided by the pope -- between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday, this year between March 20-27.
"The celebration of the Holy (Easter) Mass will be presided by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state, at the front of Saint Peter's Basilica.
"After the celebration at noon, the Holy Father will give his 'Urbi and 'Orbi blessing," said the statement.

03/08/2005 12:03 GMT