Pope Francis has called on Christians not to let fear and pessimism "imprison" them.
The pope, speaking at the Vatican on March 26, said: "Let us not allow darkness and fear to distract us and control our hearts."
"Today is the celebration of our hope. It is so necessary today," he said after celebrating evening mass.
His remarks came a day after he condemned the attacks in Brussels on March 22 that killed 31 people and injured some 300.
Terrorism is expected to be a prominent theme in his traditional Easter message on March 27.
On the morning of March 27, Pope Francis will preside over Easter Mass and offer his annual Easter blessing.