Pope Benedict XVI recalls slain priest as he begins Easter rites

Apr 13, 2006, 13:33 GMT

Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI recalled the sacrifice of an Italian priest killed by a Muslim extremist in Turkey last February as he began traditional Holy Thursday Easter rites in Rome's Basilica of St. Peter's.

'I would like to conclude my homily with the words of Andrea Santoro, the Roman priest who was murdered while he was praying in Trabzon: I am here to live in the midst of these people and allow Jesus to do so by giving him my flesh,' Benedict said.

Santoro, 60, was shot dead by an attacker who reportedly then shouted out 'God is great' in Arabic. A 16-year-old youth has been indicted on charges of murder in connection with the case.

Benedict spoke as he celebrated a Holy Chrism Mass in which holy oils used in the sacraments are blessed.

Holy Thursday rites centre around the role of the priesthood and the importance of the Eucharist.

Later on Thursday, the pope was due to take part in a ritual commemorating the Last Supper, in which Jesus' humility with his disciples is recalled through the traditional cleansing of the feet.

Benedict is celebrating his first Easter since his election one year ago.