The narrow cobblestone alleyways of the Old City were packed with Israelis visiting for the week-long Passover holiday and Christian pilgrims who are here for Easter Holy Week.

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It is the most solemn season in the Church calendar that ends with Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

BBC: Pope Benedict holds last public Mass

Thousands of pilgrims and tourists are arriving in Rome to attend ceremonies during the holy week ahead of Easter.

BBC: Pope Francis washes prisoners' feet on Maundy Thursday

Ash Wednesday marks the start of Lent, the most solemn season on the church's liturgical calendar that ends with Holy Week, when the faithful commemorate the death of Christ and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

NPR: Pope Celebrates Last Public Mass As Pontiff