With the world watching, Pope Benedict echoed the words of Pope John Paul II and urged the world to trust in Jesus live the message of Divine Mercy.
Photo by: Dan Valenti
An estimated 40,000 people attended the opening Mass in St. Peter's Square.
Photo by: Dan Valenti
Pope Benedict XVI, during Holy Mass on April 2.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Following the opening Mass, Pope Benedict XVI greets the crowd.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Father Prince Adelaayitar of Ghana captures the moment during the opening procession on April 2.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
The spirit of Pope John Paul II was present during Mass. The Mass was held on the third anniversary of the death of the "Great Mercy Pope."
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Father Michael Callea, MIC, right, is a coordinator for the Marian's Congress pilgrimage.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
The Mass drew cardinals, bishops, priests and other religious from around the world.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Media from around the world covered the Congress' opening Mass.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Devotees of Divine Mercy were well represented.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
By the time Pope Benedict delivered his homily, there was no mistaking that Divine Mercy would be the focus of the congress. During talks on Wednesday, the image of Divine Mercy was front and center.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Father Kaz Chwalek, MIC, leads the Marians' pilgrimage through the streets of Rome on Wednesday, April 2.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
Following the opening Mass, Cardinal Schonborn of Austria, Cardinal Ruini of Italy, and Cardinal Dziwisz of Poland welcome pilgrims from around the world at the Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano.
Photo by: Felix Carroll
In his talk on the opening day of the congress, Cardinal Schonborn of Austria said that Divine Mercy "expresses the particular nature of God. Mercy is the light that God has given to us through baptism. We should never let this light be put out."
Photo by: Felix Carroll
A Congress attendee poses for a picture beside the image of The Divine Mercy.
Photo by: Felix Carroll