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Christians around the world have been celebrating Easter, including in Shanghai, one of the fastest-growing Catholic communities in China.

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Thousands of pilgrims gathered at St Peter's Basilica in Rome, hoping for a sign from Pope John Paul II, who has been ill...

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... and were rewarded when he appeared at a window.

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However, this was the first Easter during which the ailing Pope was reduced to a spectator.

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The Pope tried to speak but was in apparent agony weeks after his throat operation.

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Many pilgrims shed tears at watching the Pope's efforts and his failure to utter a single word.

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In India, people visit family graves to mark the holiday.

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In Pakistan, churches are closely guarded following attacks on Christians in the past.

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Hooded penitents in Spain march in a procession to mark Easter Sunday...

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... and in eastern Germany, people in traditional dress dance around a fire believed to cleanse and bring wealth.

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Iraqi Christian families celebrate the holiday in Baghdad.

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At St Joseph's Cathedral in Bucharest, Romania, a young couple hold the Holy Light.