Pope Benedict XVI led Roman Catholics in the Holy Week celebrations, tell a Palm Sunday crowd who man the prize for his proud pays if he believes technology can give him the power of God.

Under a beautiful Roman Sun chaired the German Pope on a colorful celebration where tens of thousands of people waved palm and olive branches in commemoration of Jesus ' entry into Jerusalem the week before he was crucified.

The Pope, who turned 84 on Saturday, wove his sermon around the theme of man's relationship with God and how it can sometimes be threatened by technology.

"From the beginning, men and women are filled--and that is true today as ever--with a desire to ' be like God ', for the achievement of the heights of God by their own powers," he said, wearing magnificent red and gold vestments.

"Mankind has managed to so many things to achieve: we can fly! We can see, hear and speak with one of the furthest ends of the Earth. And the force of gravity that pulls down us is powerful, "he said.

While the great advancement of technology have improved life for man, the Pope said, they also increased opportunities for evil, and recent natural disasters were a reminder, if one were needed, is that humanity is not omnipotent.

As a man wanted a relationship with God, he first had to "leave the pride of wanting to be of God," said the Pope, Easter celebrates his sixth season as the leader of the world of some Catholics 1,2 billion.

After the mass, the Pope pleaded for peace in Colombia, called for wide participation in a day of prayer for the victims of violence out there to be held on Friday. "Enough of violence in Colombia. They can live in peace, "he said.

BEGINNING OF HOLY WEEK

Is Palm Sunday, a moveable feast that is indicated on the Sunday before Easter, celebrated in the Christian world in commemoration of Jesus ' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, a symbol of peace in the ancient world.

During the ceremony told a cantor all events in Jesus ' life between Palm Sunday and Easter. Via Della Conciliazione, the broad boulevard leading to the Vatican, was decorated with olive trees and bronze statues of the "stations of the cross", or the last events in Jesus ' life.

For the Pope and Christians around the world marks the beginning of a hectic week of events leading to Easter Sunday.

On Holy Thursday, will preside Benedict two traditional services in the Vatican, including one in which he will wash and kiss the feet of twelve men in a gesture of humility towards his Apostles the night before he died.

He will be on good Friday services in the Vatican chairing and leading than a traditional torch lit Via Crucis, or a way of the cross, around the ruins of ancient Rome Colosseum.

Holy Week services in the Vatican culminate on Easter Sunday, the most important day in the liturgical calendar, when the Pope delivers his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message.

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