Tens of thousands of faithful have been enduring heavy security checks to hear Pope Francis celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at St Peter's Square in the Vatican.
Security included armed police positioned on rooftops and the use of metal detectors.
Many more tourists, pilgrims and Romans have been flocking to the cobblestone square, decorated with colourful spring flowers, to hear Francis deliver the 'Urbi et Orbi' – his Easter message 'to the city and to the world' – from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica.
Francis described a bombing, which killed more than 100 people near the city of Aleppo in Syria, as "the latest vile attack on fleeing refugees".
He also spoke against "old and new" forms of slavery and discrimination.
"May [God] sustain the efforts of those who are actively working to bring comfort and relief to the civilian population in beloved Syria, who are greatly suffering from a war that does not cease to sow horror and death," he said.
