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                  Christians Around the World Celebrate Easter

   Christians around the world Sunday are celebrating Easter - the holiest
   day of their calendar - marking the resurrection of Jesus that the
   faithful say took place three days after his crucifixion.
   Newly installed Pope Francis, leader of the world`s Roman Catholics,
   celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass in Saint Peter`s Square.
   The Vatican said 250,000 followers turned out for the Mass. The crowd
   cheered for the pope as he was driven out of the square after the Mass.
   Later, Francis delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" speech - Latin for "To the
   City and the World" - from the balcony where he made his first public
   appearance after being elected earlier this month.
   He called for peace, specifically mentioning various troubled spots
   around the world. He also wished everyone a happy Easter in more than
   60 languages.
   In Australia, on Melville Island in the Tiwi Islands group, worshippers
   observed Easter with a unique blend of indigenous culture and Catholic
   influences.
   In the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino said, just as Jesus rose
   from the dead, hope has been resurrected among Filipinos against the
   forces of graft and corruption.
   Iraqi Catholics are flocking to churches around the country to
   celebrate Easter amid tight security.
   U.S. President Barack Obama said in his weekly address that Easter
   provides an opportunity "to rededicate ourselves to interests larger
   than our own."
   Not all Easter celebrations are strictly religious. Hundreds of New
   Yorkers are expected to participate in the annual Easter Parade that
   features the city`s residents clothed in the best finery topped with
   elaborate millinery creations.
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   -easter/1631944.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/christians-around-the-world-celebrate-easter/1631944.html