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VATICAN CITY, Sunday (Reuters)-Pope John Paul led the world's one billion Roman Catholics into the joy of Easter on Saturday, commemorating what Christians believe was the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion.

The 82-year-old Polish pope, who appeared somewhat frail but in good overall form, presided at an elaborate Easter vigil service in St Peter's Basilica.

The three-hour ceremony tested the strength of the pontiff, who has had a hectic week of services leading up to Easter.

Pope John Paul II holds a candle during the Holy Easter vigil mass in St. Peter’s Basilica April 19, 2003. The 82-year-old pope, presided over an elaborate Easter vigil service in Vatican Basilica, commemorating what Christians believe was the resurrection of Jesus three days after his death by crucifixion REUTERS

Wearing gold-coloured vestments, the pope carved the first and the last letters of the Greek alphabet - Alpha and Omega - on a large candle in the atrium of Christendom's largest church.

The service began in darkness to symbolise the darkness between Christ's death and resurrection. As the candle was taken up the main aisle, the congregation lit their own candles and the lights of the great basilica were turned on.

The pope was wheeled up the main aisle on a new specially built mobile throne to help him conserve his strength and take pressure off his legs, afflicted by arthritis.

He has been using it all week, as well as a new chair which allows him to celebrate mass while seated at a high altar.

The pope's homily, read in a clear and strong voice, concentrated on the religious theme of the Resurrection and how Christ's tomb was found empty on Sunday morning.

"If Christ were to have remained a prisoner of the tomb, humanity and all of creation, in a certain way, would have lost their meaning," the pope said.

"On this night of Resurrection everything begins anew. Creation regains its authentic meaning in the plan of salvation. It is like a new beginning of history and of the cosmos because Christ is risen."

During the solemn service, the pope welcomed seven converts into the Catholic Church with a special baptism and initiation ceremony.

The new Catholics came from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Italy, Tunisia, Japan, Burundi and the United States.

The main Easter event for the pope, now in the 25th year of his papacy, takes place on Sunday when he delivers his twice-yearly "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message.

The pope has referred to war and terrorism in nearly all of his Holy Week ceremonies in the past six days.