Heavy rain gave way to sunshine mixed with clouds as 250-thousand people flocked to the Vatican for the first Easter Sunday Mass celebrated by Pope Francis.
Tens of thousands of pilgrims and tourists filled Saint Peter's Square.
In the traditional Easter speech, the new pontiff made a plea for peace.
Christians also flocked to the Holy Land for Easter.
Worshippers prayed in the ancient church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, where tradition holds Jesus was crucified and entombed before his resurrection.
Protestants prayed at the Garden Tomb, which some identify as the site of Christ's burial.
Another service was in Jesus' traditional birthplace of Bethlehem.
