The Pope at today’s Regina Coeli:

At the end of the ceremony, his first greetings were in Greek and Russian to wish Happy Easter to the Orthodox Churches, which are celebrating Easter today.

“My best regards go to our brothers of the Eastern Churches which are celebrating Easter today,” Benedict XVI said.

“May the Risen Lord bring to all the gifts of His Light and Peace. Christos anesti! Christos vaskries!”

He added: “In the joyful atmosphere of this day I cannot forget that many of these [Orthodox] populations, in Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, are suffering as a result of recent flooding.

“Through praying I am close to them and truly hope that with everyone’s help they can quickly overcome these difficult moments.”