Pics: Pope Francis celebrates first Easter as pontiff

It was a day of celebration for thousands of Christians across the world as they celebrated Easter singing hymns, praying, attending mass and enjoying hot cross buns.

Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Mass. Even as he delivered a traditional call for peace, it was different from his predecessors. Soon after mass in St. Peter's Square, he 'stepped aboard an open-topped white popemobile for a cheerful spin through pathways in the joyous crowd, kissing babies, smiling constantly and patting children on the head'.

Around 2,50,000 people gatheredaround St Peter's Square to celebrate Easter Sunday, with many of them jamming just to get a glimpse of the Pope, who has recently taken over.

The Vatican prepared a list of brief Easter greetings in 65 languages

Easter vigil service

Pope Francis leads the Easter vigil service in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican Saturday, March 30, 2013. Pope Francis is celebrating a trimmed back Easter Vigil service.

Offering prayers

Devotees pray at a church on the occasion of Good Friday in Moradabad.

Easter mass

Christian devotees offering prayer during 'Easter' prayer at a church in Bhopal on Sunday.

Pope's first Easter

Francis waves to the crowd after celebrating his first Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, March 31, 2013. Pope Francis celebrated his first Easter Sunday Mass as pontiff in St. Peter's Square.

Easter Sunday

Christians attend early morning Easter Mass in Ajmer on Sunday.

Offering prayers

Christian devotees offer Easter prayers at a church in Jammu on Sunday.

Holy Communion

A Catholic Priest offers holy communion to Christian devotees during the Easter Sunday mass at the Holy Cross Church in Dimapur on Sunday.

Role play

Christian devotees enact the crucifixion of Jesus at Queen of the Apostles Church in Patna on the occasion of Good Friday.

Devotees engage in role play

Devotees enact the crucification of Lord Jesus at a church on the occasion of Good Friday in Bhopal.

Good Friday prayers

Christian devotees offer prayers at a church in Bengaluru on the occasion of "Good Friday".