Vatican City ? Pope Benedict XVI baptized eight people during a candlelit Easter Vigil Mass early today in St. Peter’s Basilica, opening the most important event of the Christian Church calendar.

Benedict started the Mass by blessing a large white candle and carrying it down the main aisle of the darkened basilica. Slowly, the twinkle of candlelight lit up the entire basilica as the faithful shared the lone flame.

The Church considers the period between Good Friday, which commemorates Jesus’ crucifixion, and Easter Sunday, which marks his resurrection, as the most important of all vigils.

He baptized six adults and two children – part of the joyful renewal Christians associate with Easter.

“Baptism is more than a bath, a purification. It is more than becoming part of a community,” Benedict said. “It is a new birth. A new beginning in life.”