The church state traditionally proclaimed a blessing to Christendom and the world as major ecclesiastical holidays.
Pope Francis has renewed his request for a ceasefire in Gaza at the Easter Mass. He also hoped for the release of the hostages. The extremist organization Hamas kidnapped hostages in connection with its October terrorist attack on the Israeli side.
The 87-year-old head of the Catholic Church hoped for a general exchange of all prisoners of war between Russia and Ukraine.
Tens of thousands of people have gathered in Pietarinaukio to listen to the mass and the traditional Urbi et orbi blessing to the world presented in connection with it.