Marking Christianity's most hopeful day, Pope Francis made an Easter Sunday plea for peace and dialogue in Ukraine and Syria, for an end to terrorist attacks against Christians in Nigeria and for more attention to the hungry and neediest close to home.
Well over 150,000 tourists - Romans and pilgrims, young and old - turned out for the Mass that Francis celebrated at an altar set up under a canopy on the steps of St. Peter's Basilica.
So great were their numbers that they overflowed from sprawling St. Peter's Square, which was decked out with row after row of potted daffodils, sprays of blue hyacinths and bunches of white roses.
Pope Francis addresses huge crowds gathered in St Peter's square in Vatican City when he delivered the traditional Urbi Et Orbi blessing to mark Easter Sunday
During the celebration the Pope delivered a speech asking for peace and dialogue in war-torn Syria and Ukraine and for an end to attacks on Christians in Nigeria
Waving to crowds from the balcony of St Peter's basilica, Pope Francis looked out on a crowd of roughly 150,000 Catholics who packed into the square below
Waving flags from the pope's native Argentina as well as from Brazil, Mexico, Britain, Poland and many other countries, they also filled the broad boulevard leading from the square to the Tiber River.
Easter is the culmination of Holy Week and marks Christian belief that Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion.
Francis noted that this year the Catholic church's celebration of Easter coincided with that of Orthodox churches, which have many followers in Ukraine.
During the Celebration of the Lord's Passion mass on Good Friday to mark the day Jesus was crucified Pope Francis layed prostrate on the floor of Saint Peter's basilica
The crowd packed into St Peter's square underneath glorious blue skies was so large that it spilled over into the surrounding streets
After delivering his traditional blessing Pope Francis moved out into the crowds, smiling and giving a jovial thumbs up to mark the most hopeful day in the Christian calendar when they believe Jesus rose from the dead
Francis prayed that God would 'enlighten and inspire the initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine, so that all those involved, with the support of the international community, will make every effort to prevent violence.'
In eastern Ukraine, the holiday was marred by a deadly shooting Sunday fueled by tensions between pro-Russian supporters in the east and those loyal to an interim government in Kiev. The clash appeared to defy an international agreement reached last week in hopes of ending months of unrest.
Francis also prayed that all sides in Syria will be moved to 'boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue.' Syria has been wracked by a three-year civil war that has cost 150,000 lives and forced millions to flee the country.
Christians make up about 5 percent of Syria's population. In comments to mark Easter there, the Greek Orthodox patriarch vowed that Christians there 'will not submit' to extremists who attack 'our people and holy places.'
From Ukraine to the UK... How Easter Sunday was celebrated by millions around the world
Ukraine:
Ukrainian Orthodox believers light candles with fire brought form Jerusalem's Old City to the Kyiv-Pechersk church in the Ukrainian capital of Kiev
Russia:
In the Christ the Saviour cathedral in Moscow, Russia, Orthodox Christians watch as Patriach Kirill leads a special prayer service. In the audience was Russian President Putin
Egypt:
Coptic Pope Tawadros II swings an incense burner during the Easter Eve service at St. Mark's Cathedral, in Cairo, Egypt
In a service which took place late last night, Egyptian Christians take part in an Easter Eve service in St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo
Los Angeles, California
Animal owners today brought their pets to be Blessed by Archbishop JosÈ H. Gomez as part of the Easter celebrations at La Placita square in Los Angeles, California
Cyprus:
The Easter custom of Lambradja (bonfire) takes place to mark the resurrection of Christ in Nicosia, Cyprus. It is the first time in 40 years that a service has taken place inside the UN buffer zone
Greece:
On the Greek island of Chios revellers light homemade fireworks during celebrations in the village of Vrontados. Two churches on the island hold a 'rocket war' by launching fireworks at each other while services are being held
Florence, Italy:
In Florence, Italy, locals take part in the Scoppio del Carro - literally meaning explosion of the cart. The fireworks are lit on Easter Sunday to guarantee a good harvest
United Kingdom:
Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England Justin Welby delivers a sermon in Canterbury Cathedral, Kent, today
In Windsor the Queen and Prince Philip attended the Easter service at St George's Chapel. The service was lead by the Dean of Windsor, The Right Revd David Conner (left)
Meanwhile the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, performed traditional baptisms in a pool outside York Minster
Germany:
Slavic Sorb men ride on horses during a traditional Easter procession in Ralbitz, eastern Germany
The Pope has lead Catholic celebrations of Easter in the Vatican today while around the world, from Ukraine to Indonesia, ceremonies have also been taking place. In his speech to 150,000 gathered in St Peter's square, Pope Francis called for dialogue in Ukraine and Syria, and prayed for an end to terrorist attacks on Christians in Nigeria. The square itself was decked out with row after row of potted daffodils, blue hyacinths and bunches of white roses.
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