On Easter Sunday, Pope Francis led tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square at a daytime mass to celebrate the Lord's resurrection.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov
Pope Francis presided over the Mass marking the Lord's Resurrection on Easter Sunday in St. Peter's Square as the Church celebrates the holiest day of the Christian calendar.
On Easter Sunday, tens of thousands of faithful filled the spring-like St. Peter's Square.
The Pope presides over Mass on Easter Sunday, the Solemnity of the Lord's Resurrection.
According to tradition until 1985, Vatican Square was decorated with flowers from the Netherlands.
Pope Francis at Easter Mass
As the Pope had already delivered his Easter homily at the Easter Vigil Mass in St. Peter's Basilica the night before, the Holy Father did not deliver another homily at this daytime Mass as usual.
During the Easter Vigil Mass, the Holy Pontiff reflected on the wonder and amazement of the women who visited the tomb where Jesus was laid and recounted the incredible story of the Lord's resurrection.
After the Easter Mass this morning, the Pope gives the afternoon Urbi et Arbi from the central loggia, or balcony, of St. Peter's Basilica, offering his apostolic blessing to the people of Rome and the entire world.
First, however, the Pope wandered among the happy pilgrims in St. Peter's Square. A compromiseHe greeted them cheerfully, waving from his popemobile.
Pope Francis circles to wave to crowds after Easter Mass
The Easter Mass on Sunday morning continues with the Easter Triduum, which concludes with Vespers on Sunday evening.
However, the Easter liturgy continues through the Feast of Pentecost in May.
