In his traditional Easter Sunday blessing to the city and the world, Pope Francis several times implored God to stop violence in many parts of the world.
The Pope mentioned Iraq and Syria, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Ukraine.
Francis also called on Christians to look at Christ’s Resurrection story to remember that they are called to be “seeds of another humanity” that is not arrogant or violent.
Mentioning Christians suffering persecution, Francis asked: “Jesus, the Victor, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of ongoing conflicts and violence.”
The Pope also prayed for a “resumed” peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.