Tens of thousands endured heavy security checks to hear Pope Francis celebrate Easter Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square at which he prayed the risen Lord would walk beside those who are marginalised and who are victimised by old and new forms of slavery.
Many tourists, pilgrims and Romans flocked 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.
The address marks what is the most important day in the Christian calendar as it represents the fulfilment of God’s promises to mankind represents the fulfillment of God’s promises to mankind and proof that those who trust in God and accept Christ will be raised from the dead.
Security for the event included armed police positioned on rooftops and the use of metal detectors.
In his address Pope Francis prayed that the "Risen Lord would walk beside those who are marginalised who are victimised by old and new forms of slavery ... and bring peace to the Middle East, come to the aid of Ukraine, shed his blessing upon the continent of Europe and build bridges of dialogue in Latin America."
In his address the Pope also condemned the latest bombing in Syria, which led to the death of more than 100 people fleeing war, as "ignoble".
Read the full address below: