Easter Sunday was observed around the world, commemorating the day when Jesus is believed to have risen from the dead in Jerusalem over two millennia ago. In India, Christian families paid their respects to their loved ones by lighting candles and placing flowers on their graves in Purulia, West Bengal, early in the morning. Meanwhile, at the Vatican, Pope Francis led an Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, offering a prayer for global peace amidst ongoing crises. Despite recent health concerns, Francis spoke to a crowd of 60,000 people and emphasized the need for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap in Russia and Ukraine.
In Ukraine, clerics conducted prayers and lit the holy fire during Easter religious services at St. Nicholas Roman Catholic Church in Kyiv. Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Pizzaballa presided over an Easter Sunday Mass at Church of Holy Sepulcher in Israel, which is believed to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has had a negative impact on tourism and pilgrimages in the region, including at this sacred location.
King Charles III made a significant public appearance by attending an Easter service with Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family at Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom. In New York City, participants wore festive hats and costumes during an annual Easter Parade and Bonnet Festival held on Sunday. Additionally, worshippers gathered at Lincoln Memorial for sunrise Easter service in Washington Dc
