Saint Peter's Square, Vatican. More than 150,000 people attend the Vatican’s Easter mass led by Pope Francis. Reuters
On Easter Sunday, more than 150,000 people gathered at the Vatican to hear Pope Francis’s address. The Bishop of Rome prayed for peace in the war-torn corners of the world.
His speech was layered with reminders that while 2 billion people across the globe celebrate Easter as a day of hope, there are those who continue to suffer misfortune, including victims of recent terrorist attacks in Nigeria, a deadly epidemic of Ebola in parts of Africa and civil war in Syria.
"We pray in a particular way for Syria, that all those suffering the effects of the conflict can receive needed humanitarian aid and that neither side will again use deadly force, especially against the defenseless civil population, but instead boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue," Pope Francis said.
Francis also asked God to “enlighten and inspire” peace in Ukraine.
Easter is the culmination of a 40-day period called Lent, in which observers practice fasting, moderation, repentance and spiritual discipline. The week before Easter is referred to as Holy Week.
In the U.S., more than two in three adults celebrate Easter as a religious holiday, but the observances occur throughout the world.
Here’s a look at Easter celebrations from around the world.
Saint Peter's Square, Vatican. Pope Francis waves as he leads the Easter mass in Saint Peter's Square. ReutersČeská Lípa, Czech Republic. Actors perform the scene of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ during "The Passion of Christ" play as a part of Easter festivities. ReutersČeská Lípa, Czech Republic. “The Passion of Christ" play commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. ReutersDonetsk, eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian Orthodox worshippers attend a holy liturgy during an Orthodox Easter service. This year, the Catholic Church’s Easter celebration coincided with that of the Orthodox churches, which have many followers in the Ukraine.ReutersDonetsk, eastern Ukraine. A Ukrainian Orthodox priest sprinkles holy water on believers during Easter. ReutersCavite, Philippines. People relax at a beach to celebrate Easter Sunday near Manila Bay. Filipinos flocked to beaches traditionally on Easter Sunday after commemorating Lent in the predominantly Roman Catholic country, local media reported.ReutersQuito, Ecuador. Worshippers re-enact the "Stations of the Cross" during a procession on Good Friday. Holy Week is celebrated in many Christian traditions during the week before Easter.ReutersWashington DC, U.S. President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters Malia and Sasha arrive with the Easter Bunny for the Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 1. ReutersSydney, Australia. Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, greets members of the choir at an Easter Sunday Service at St Andrews Cathedral. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate are undertaking a 19-day official visit to New Zealand and Australia with their son George.ReutersJerusalem. Christian worshippers pray in front of the Stone of Anointing, where Christians believe the body of Jesus was prepared for burial, after Sunday mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.ReutersMavrovo, Macedonia. Priests lead the Christian Orthodox Easter service at the 10th century St. John the Baptist Monastery. ReutersWittichenau, Germany. Sorb men of the German Slavic minority, dressed in traditional clothes, ride horses during a ceremonial parade near the village of Wittichenau. More than 1,000 horse riders took part in several parades to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday.Reuters
