(CNN) — Christians celebrated Easter around the world Sunday, but with reminders of violence and politics.
In Jerusalem, security will be tight throughout the city. Tensions escalated Saturday when Israeli security forces halted Palestinian Christians who took part in a pre-Easter procession in the Old City.
Robert Serry, the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, was among the group trying to walk together on what was Holy Saturday.
“I call on all parties to respect the right of religious freedom, granting access to holy sites for worshippers of all faiths and refraining from provocations, not least during the religious holidays,” Serry said.
But Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Yigal Palmor called the incident a “non-event.” He told the Jerusalem Post that police were trying to limit the number of those packed into the church and the narrow streets around it.
Boston: A blessing before the marathon
In the United States, Cardinal Sean O’Malley will offer a blessing for runners in the Boston Marathon at the end of Easter Sunday Mass at the Cathedral, CNN affiliate WJAR-TV said.
Though an annual part of the race buildup, the Cardinal’s blessing will have extra meaning this year. The city is marking the one-year anniversary of the bombings that killed three people and wounded at least 264 others.
This year’s marathon is Monday. Other Boston churches will offer special blessings.
Pope Francis’ message to the world
Pope Francis will celebrate Easter for the second time since becoming pope in 2013. He will deliver the Easter message at 6 a.m. ET. from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
British royals, Obama celebrate Easter
Queen Elizabeth II will attend Easter Mass at St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Meanwhile, on the other side of the planet, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge continue their tour of Australia.
President Obama wished the American people a happy Easter on Saturday in his weekly address.
“For me, Easter is a story of hope — a belief in a better day to come, just around the bend,” he said. “So to all Christians who are celebrating, from my family to yours, Happy Easter. And to every American, have a joyful weekend.”
He celebrated Passover earlier this week with the fifth Seder at the White House. Obama is the first president to host a Seder dinner while in office.
