Queen attends Easter service as world's religious leaders decry persecution of Christians

The Archbishop of Canterbury said Christians need to support persecuted communities with "love and goodness and generosity" while resisting any persecution suffered themselves without violence.

He added that 148 Kenyan university students killed three days ago by Al-Shabaab militants and Christians murdered in Libya last month, as well as those who witnessed the massacres, are "martyrs".

His comments, during his Canterbury Cathedral sermon, came as the Queen - dressed in a cornflower blue coat - was accompanied by Prince Philip and members of the Royal family at an Easter service at Windsor Castle.

Notably absent from the annual service was Prince William and his heavily pregnant wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, who is due to give birth to the couple's second child within weeks.

The Duke of York, Princess Royal and Earl of Wessex, joined the Queen at the service while Lady Louise Windsor, the Countess of Wessex, Autumn Phillips and Princess Beatrice were also pictured arriving together.

Pope Francis, giving his Easter message from the central balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, also focused on atrocities around the world - including the "barbarous acts of violence" in Libya and the young people killed in Kenya.

He also lamented kidnappings by Islamic extremists, which have plagued parts of Africa, including Nigeria.

The Pope's message was also of peace and he decried the abundance of weapons in the world in general.

He said: "And we ask for peace for this world subjected to arms dealers, who earn their living with the blood of men and women."

Tens of thousands braved the rain to celebrate Mass led by Pope Francis in St Peter's Square, to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.

The UK's political leaders also all took a moment away from their busy election campaign schedules to reflect on what Easter means for them.

Prime Minister David Cameron attended a church service before helping feed a newborn lamb in Oxfordshire and joined condemnation of the persecution of Christians as three days of official mourning began in Kenya for the 148 victims.

In a video message he said Easter was a "time to reflect on the part Christianity plays in our national life".

He said: "The Church is not just a collection of beautiful old buildings; it is a living, active force doing great works across our country.

"Across Britain, Christians don't just talk about 'loving thy neighbour', they live it out ... in faith schools, in prisons, in community groups.

"And it's for all these reasons that we should feel proud to say: this is a Christian country.

"Yes, we are a nation that embraces, welcomes and accepts all faiths and none but we are still a Christian country."

Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg, an atheist, said Easter was "a time of reflection and renewal: when everybody has a chance to take stock of what is truly important to them and their families".

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "My thoughts are particularly with Christians in Syria, Iraq and other countries where the church suffers terrible persecution."

He also warned his followers to go "easy on those Easter eggs" on Twitter.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage wished people "a restful and enjoyable day".

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, urged Christians to vote at next month's election.