Christians celebrate Easter in Jerusalem

Catholic worshippers attend a procession during Holy Saturday (April 7, 2012) inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – traditionally believed to be the burial site of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem's Old City. AP Photo/Bernat Armangue

JERUSALEM – Thousands of Christians are celebrating Easter Mass in Jerusalem in an array of processions and prayer sessions.

In the ancient Church of the Holy Sepulcher, clergymen in flowing white and gold robes celebrated Mass, the air fragrant with incense.

Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti, in the church on a private visit, joined the masses of Christian faithful. He shook hands with pilgrims and spoke to monks in the Old City.

Just outside the ancient city’s walls, about 350 Protestants sang Gospel music in the Garden Tomb, where Jesus is believed to be buried.

Easter Sunday caps a week of holidays that commemorate the crucifixion and return to life of Jesus. Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Palm Sunday today and Easter next week.