(April 9, 2006)--Pope Benedict is continuing John Paul's tradition of dedicating Palm Sunday to the world's young people.

He did that during a Mass Sunday at St. Peter's Square to open Holy Week in Vatican City.

Palm fronds and olive branches swayed in the springtime breeze n a sunny St. Peter's Square as Benedict entered and blessed the branches carried by the faithful.

Wearing red vestments and a golden miter, or bishops' hat, Benedict himself carried a large curled palm frond as did the dozens of cardinals and bishops who joined him at the altar on the steps of the basilica.

Benedict told the faithful that the olive branches are symbols of peace; the palms, symbols of martyrdom.

Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and is the start of the church's Holy Week.

It includes the Good Friday re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion and death and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Click Here For Vatican Web Site