BOSTON — For many Christians, this weekend marks the first time in three years they will gather in person to celebrate Easter Sunday, a welcome chance to share one of the faith’s holiest days side-by-side with fellow parishioners.
In the United States, the pandemic stuck in March, 2020, forcing many churches to resort to online or televised Masses weeks ahead of Easter.
In Boston, Catholic churches are among houses of worship opening their doors with few COVID-19 restrictions for Easter services.
On Saturday evening, hundreds of people in Minnesota gathered in the grand Cathedral of St. Paul to observe an Easter Vigil service.
Pope makes Easter plea for Ukraine peace, cites nuclear risk
Pope Francis has made an Easter plea for peace in Ukraine and in other wars in the world.
After celebrating Easter Sunday Mass for tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square for the first time since the pandemic, Francis delivered his traditional geopolitical speech, in which he cited the risk of nuclear warfare.
The pontiff, who has a knee problem, limped badly as he stepped out to reach an altar set up in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Easter is Christianity's most joyous feast day.
But for the pope, the war in Ukraine has weighed on his heart. In London, the archbishop of Canterbury exhorted Russia to withdraw from Ukraine.
