
Pope Francis tonight presided over a solemn Easter Vigil ceremony marked by heightened security fears following a spate of Islamic-inspired attacks in Europe.

Holding a single candle, Francis processed down the center aisle of a darkened St Peter's Basilica, symbolising the darkness that fell after Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday.

When he reached the altar, the basilica's floodlights turned on, symbolizing the light of Christ's resurrection.

Pope Francis tonight presided over a solemn Easter Vigil ceremony marked by heightened security fears following a spate of Islamic-inspired attacks in Europe

Cardinals attend the Easter Vigil presided by Pope Francis at St Peter's basilica on April 15, 2017 in Vatican as Christians around the world are marking the Holy Week

Cardinals elevated to the diaconal order are either officials of the Roman Curia or priests elevated after their 80th birthday

Saturday's late-night service came after Francis presided over the evocative torch-lit Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, where Francis repeatedly denounced the 'shame' of the blood spilled by innocent children, women and migrants in the world's conflicts, shipwrecks and other tragedies.

On Sunday, he celebrates the joyful Easter Mass in a flower-filled St Peter's Square.

There was tight security outside tonight after Italian authorities deployed bomb squads, sniffer dogs and surveillance cameras at the Colosseum the Vatican and other potential terrorist targets in the wake of recent attacks in Britain and Sweden.

Anyone entering St Peter's Square had to undergo airport-style screening by walking through X-Ray machines.

When he reached the altar, the basilica's floodlights turned on, symbolizing the light of Jesus Christ's resurrection

On Sunday Pope Francis will head into town to celebrate the joyful Easter Mass in a flower-filled St Peter's Square

Solemn: Pope Francis has previously denounced Islamic-inspired attacks in Europe and criticised the slaughter of innocents

Pope Francis presides over a solemn Easter vigil ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Easter Saturday

Security checks today: Anyone entering St Peter's Square had to undergo airport-style screening by walking through X-Ray machines

Saturday's late-night service came after Francis presided over the evocative torch-lit Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum

A cross is illuminated near the Colosseum prior the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) torchlight procession on Good Friday

Christians around the world are marking the Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, leading up to his resurrection on Easter