Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Vatican Defends Pope VOA News 04 April 2010 Pope Benedict XVI, next to cardinal Angelo Comastri, holds his pastoral staff during the Easter Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World) blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, 4 Apr 2010 Photo: AP Pope Benedict XVI, next to cardinal Angelo Comastri, holds his pastoral staff during the Easter Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World) blessing from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, 4 Apr 2010