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Thousands of italian teenagers. you see them in st. peters square. this is the first gathering since the start of the pandemic but francis said he was worriedability their future, and russia's war in ukraine, which he called cruel and senseless on easter sunday. meantime, cnn visited a ukrainian city directly in the line of fire, as cnn's clarissa ward reports, residents there spent orthodox palm sunday praying for peace but, of course, also bracing for violence. >> reporter: at the alexander cathedral, an art and prayer from worshippers under the shadow of russia's war. we ask for your merc...

Offensive. >> reporter: at the alexander cathedral, an ardent prayer from worshipers under the shadow of russia's war. we ask for your mercy, lord. please hear us. they have gathered here for orthodox palm sunday, carrying willows instead of palms per the orthodox tradition. it's supposed to be a celebration of jesus' return to jerusalem. but there is little joy in this congregation. ukrainian officials say this city will be a decisive battleground in russia's imminent offensive in the donbas region. the streets are getting emptier as the fighting gets closer. those still here are being urged ...

The only other person i have ever been nervous about spending time with was oprah and for obvious reasons. but him and oprah. the only two people that have made me nervous upon contact with them, or interviewing them. and he quickly -- um -- put me at ease, and, you know, invited us up and started talking to me and asking me questions. i have to say, um, it is quite honestly an honor to be in this position to be able to interview people like him, like secretary austin and like our ambassador linda thomas-greenfield, who grew up in the same town i went to high school with. and to have people of...