Pope Francis prays for world peace during Easter address

Pope Francis asked for peace in Middle East, Africa, Asia, and across the globe.

15:22 01 April 2013

Pope Francis asked for world peace on his first Easter Sunday message. The newly elected pope, called for peace in Asia, Africa, Middle East, and across the globe.

Pope Francis, formely Buenos Aires Archibishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio, started his Urbi et Orbi (To the city and the world) speech, with a simple “Happy Easter!”

The 76-year-old pope continued by emphasising the relevance of Easter Sunday saying: "Christ has risen! What a joy it is for me to announce this message... I would like it to go out to every house and every family, especially where the suffering is greatest, in hospitals, in prisons."

Later on, the pope, who has begun his tenure by emphasising humility, prayed for trouble regions and asked for world peace.

 

"Peace for the Middle East, and particularly between Israelis and Palestinians, who struggle to find the road of agreement, that they may willingly and courageously resume negotiations to end a conflict that has lasted all too long.

 

"Peace in Iraq, that every act of violence may end, and above all for dear Syria, for its people torn by conflict and for the many refugees who await help and comfort."

 

He also mentioned Asia. "Peace in Asia, above all on the Korean peninsula: may disagreements be overcome and a renewed spirit of reconciliation grow."