Thousands fill St Peter’s Square to hear Pope Francis celebrate Easter Mass
Tourists, pilgrims and Romans flocked to hear the pontiff speak.
Published
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.
Potted hyacinths, tulips and daffodils, as well as bouquets of pink roses, were arranged in neat rows on the steps leading to the church.
