In images: Easter festivities observed globally from Greece to Iraq


Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, representing Pope Francis, leads the Easter Vigil Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on April 19 in Vatican City.

Christians worldwide are commemorating Easter this year.

For the first time in many years, all Christian denominations, including Orthodox and Western churches, are celebrating the holiday on the same date, as they typically follow different calendars.

In Greece, the night sky was illuminated with fireworks, while in Jerusalem, worshippers lit candles at the church believed to be the site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial.

This overview highlights various ways in which people are observing the holiday as the days of celebration reach their peak on Easter Sunday.