Easter Sunday was marked around the world with various celebrations, each unique to their traditions. In India, Christian families honored their loved ones by lighting candles and placing flowers on their graves. Pope Francis led Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican, offering prayers for peace amidst global crises, including a plea for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. Despite dealing with respiratory issues, Francis rallied to lead a crowd of 60,000 in St. Peter’s Square for Easter celebrations.
In Ukraine, clerics lit the holy fire during the Easter religious service at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Kyiv. In Israel, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem led Easter Sunday Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the holy site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. Due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, there was a notable decrease in tourism and pilgrimages in the region.
In Britain, King Charles III made a public appearance at an Easter service at Windsor Castle, his first significant outing since being diagnosed with cancer. In the U.S., the annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival took place in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York, with participants donning elaborate hats and costumes. In Washington, worshipers gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a sunrise Easter service.
