Washington, DC - President Barack Obama: "Michelle and I join our fellow Christians around the world in observing Good Friday and celebrating Easter this weekend.

"With humility and awe, we give thanks for the extraordinary sacrifice that Jesus made for our salvation. We rejoice in the triumph of the Resurrection. And we renew our commitment to live as He commanded - to love God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. I look forward  to continuing our celebration on Tuesday when I host our annual Easter prayer breakfast as we remember the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives, stand with those around the world who are persecuted for their faith, and pray for peace, justice and freedom for all people."