In pictures: Easter Sunday celebrated around the world
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome at the end of the Easter Mass. He called for an end to bloodshed in Syria, and the wider Middle East.
Iraqi Christians light candles during an Easter mass at an Armenian Church in Baghdad. Thousands of Iraqi Christians have fled the country since 2003.
The spiritual head of the worldwide Anglican communion, Dr Rowan Williams, delivers his last Easter sermon before he stands down as Archbishop of Canterbury later this year. He emphasises the importance of core Christian beliefs as the true test of the faith during the service at Canterbury Cathedral.
Queen Elizabeth II smiles as she leaves Saint George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, England, after attending the Easter Matins Service.
In Syria, dyed chicks are on sale in a district of Damascus. The Pope, in his Easter message, appealed for an end to the violence in Syria but opposition activists have reported major new offensives over the weekend.
In New York City, even the dogs get dressed up in their Easter best. This Jack Russell is taking part in the annual Easter Bonnet Parade on Fifth Avenue.
In the eastern German town of Bautzen, riders from the Sorbian community sing as they parade on horseback. The Sorbs speak a Slavic language, related to Czech and Polish, but since German reunification in 1990, young Sorbs are leaving the area for the big cities.
In the eastern German town of Bautzen, riders from the Sorbian community sing as they parade on horseback. The Sorbs speak a Slavic language, related to Czech and Polish, but since German reunification in 1990, young Sorbs are leaving the area for the big cities.
In San Carlos de Bariloche, in Argentina, cooks give out pieces of a giant chocolate egg – 8.5m (28ft) tall.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-17652049