Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peters Square in the Vatican

Tens of thousands of faithful braved heavy security checks for their place in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican to witness Pope Francis celebrate Easter Sunday Mass.

Francis was delivering the ``Urbi et Orbi'' -- his Easter message to the city and the world -- from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.

The steps leading to St. Peter's Basilica, as well as the square itself, have been decorated with colourful spring flowers
     
Security, already deployed in Holy Week ceremonies, included armed police positioned on rooftops and metal detectors.