Pope launches Bible reading marathon

Vatican City, Oct. 6: Pope Benedict XVI launched a bible-reading marathon on Sunday evening, scheduled to last an seven days and six nights, with more than 1,200 people taking turns to read it.

The reading, entitled "The Bible Day and Night" is being broadcast by Italian state television, while most of the reading is taking place in the Santa Croce in Gerusalemme church in central Rome.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth," were the first words of the pontiff as he began reading the opening chapter of the book of Genesis. He was followed by the orthodox bishop of the Patriarchate of Moscow Ilarion Alfeev, and by Domenico Maselli, president of the Federation of the Evangelical Churches and Italian actor Roberto Benigni.

Besides Roman Catholics, members of other religions, including Jews, Protestants and Orthodox Christians will participate. Top opera singer Andrea Bocelli was also present, and sang Johan Sebastian Bach’s "Praise to God".

The reading will end on 12 October with the reading of the last chapter of the Apocalypse by the Vatican’s number two, secretary of state Tarcisio Bertone.

"The word of God will enter the homes and accompany the lives of families and individual people," Pope Benedict said of the programme following his traditional noontime blessing on Sunday. "If welcomed, this seed will not fail to bring abundant fruits."

Addressing faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Benedict noted the televised marathon would run parallel to a worldwide meeting of bishops.

By arrangement with AKI