Easter celebrated around the world, in pictures

Ceremonies have been taking place across the world to mark the most important festival in the Christian calendar – Easter.

Jesus was resurrected on Easter Sunday, the Bible says, days after dying on the cross on Good Friday. It is traditional for many to attend services on Saturday evening as well as on Sunday.

A day after pulling out of a ceremony at short notice, Pope Francis took part in a two-hour vigil at the Vatican on Saturday.

There had been renewed concern about his health when he did not participate in a Good Friday procession.

But, the 87-year-old pontiff read a lengthy homily and carried out a number of baptisms.

Around the world, people celebrated Easter including in the Philippines where worshippers crowded to get a glimpse of the traditional procession.

In the capital Manila, children dressed as angels and prayed.

Easter Sunday marks a major part of the Catholic calendar and is followed by 1.3 billion people around the globe. At the St. Sebastian’s Church in Katuwapitiya, Sri Lanka, a Catholic priest gave Holy communions to Christian devotees.

Services have also been held across many European capitals, cities and towns.