Israeli officials say the mysterious pre-Easter ceremony limited to 10 leaders, who will deliver the flame to overseas communities through creative means

In letter to attorney general, representative in the Holy Land points to continued limited prayers at Western Wall, demands traditional live transmission of service be permitted

In shift from earlier predictions of opening up country on Easter, president now says holiday may mark when the US death toll hits its apex, with over 100,000 fatalities predicted

'Our hearts are tested by the great destruction,' says Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, archbishop of Colombo, as country's churches shuttered amid fears of further jihadist attacks

Over 10,000 pilgrims carrying candles pack Church of the Holy Sepulchre for annual ritual dating back 1,200 years

Thousands of worshipers retrace the steps Jesus is said to have taken on the way to his death, along the Old City's 'Via Dolorosa'

Janusz Korwin-Mikke singles out Jonny Daniels, the Israeli-British founder of Holocaust commemoration group From the Depths

Israeli security official confirms entry approved to capital and the West Bank; human rights group criticizes 'small, arbitrary' permit quota

Francis denounces 'cruel violence' of Easter Day attacks at churches and hotels; head of Egypt's al-Azhar Mosque says terrorists actions go against all religious teachings

Without directly mentioning Sri Lanka bombings, Roman Catholic archbishop says hope 'comes to the rescue of a faith that is at odds every day with such great violence'