As Easter approaches, Christians around the world begin to focus on two of the central tenets of their faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Other charismatic Jewish teachers or miracle workers were active in Judea around the same time,

The hope Christians have is not a sign of avoiding reality but of trusting in the power of God to defeat sin and death as the resurrection of Jesus clearly shows, Pope Francis wrote in his Easter message.

Pope Francis made a joyful appearance in St. Peter's Square, riding in his popemobile and blessing a cheering crowd of 35,000.