Vatican City - Pope Benedict XVI celebrated All Saints Day Saturday by urging the faithful to follow the example of the Christian martyrs and other men and women who dedicated their lives to God.

Benedict made the appeal when he delivered the noon Angelus blessing before thousands of people gathered in St Peter's Square.

Among those present were participants in the "Race of the Saints" a 10 kilometre run through Rome in which the Italian capital's Mayor Gianni Alemanno also took part.

Benedict, citing the US gospel hymn "When the Saints Go Marching In," said all Christians should aspire to be "in that number" in the "race" for martyrdom.

This the pontiff said, could be understood as "love without reserve ... for God and one's brethren."

During their earthly life, the saints "were poor in spirit, hurt by sin... hungry and thirsty for justice, clement, pure in their hearts, agents of peace, and persecuted," Benedict said.

In Western Christianity All Saints day, traditionally held on November 1, commemorates those who have attained a presence before God in heaven.

The feast precedes All Souls' Day, which in commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.