Pope Francis preached an Easter message of hope after
a grim week in Europe, calling on Christians not to let
fear and pessimism "imprison" them.
Speaking amid tight security at the Vatican, the Pope
said: "Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract
us and control our hearts."
His message followed a condemnation on Friday of the
Brussels terror attacks.
Islamist violence is expected to be a prominent theme
of his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Easter message.
Many pilgrims cancelled their planned trips to Rome in
the wake of the violence in Brussels, but St Peter's
Basilica in the Vatican was packed when Pope Francis
celebrated mass on Saturday evening.
The Pontiff entered a darkened basilica with just a
single candle guiding him. As he reached the altar,
the basilica's floodlights came on to symbolise the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Delivering his homily, Francis said: "Today is the
celebration of our hope. It is so necessary today."
The lengthy vigil service also included a papal baptism
for 12 adults hailing from China, South Korea and
other countries around the world.
On Sunday morning, Francis will preside over Easter
Mass and offer his annual Easter blessing.
On Friday, he denounced the "terrorist acts committed
by followers of some religions which profane the name
of God and which use the holy name to justify their
unprecedented violence".
Meanwhile, Vatican officials distributed sleeping bags to
100 homeless people.
The police presence in the streets around the Vatican
has been stepped up this year, as more pilgrims than
usual are expected after Francis declared a jubilee year
for the Catholic Church, calling it a "Holy Year of
Mercy".
