DHAKA: 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 symbolize the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Delivering his homily, Francis said, “Today is the celebration of our hope. It is so necessary today”.

BDST: 1300 HRS, MAR 27, 2016
RR