... called for launching peace initiatives in Syria, Ukraine, Africa and Venezuela... "The Vatican (ANTARA News) - Pope Francis called for launching peace initiatives in Syria, Ukraine, Africa and Venezuela, elaborating on the extreme poverty, exploitation, and wastefulness bedeviling several parts of the world.
Addressing more than 150, 000 faithful assembled at St. Peter Square in the Vatican in his Easter greeting Sunday, the Pope said that the celebrations of the Catholic church on Easter coincide with those of the Orthodox.
The Pope prayed that all sides in Syria will be moved to boldly negotiate the peace long awaited and long overdue, demanding a stop to the use of force to spread death, especially in the ranks of civilians and a ensuring access of humanitarian aid to civilians.
"We ask you to comfort the victims of fratricidal acts of violence in Iraq and to sustain the hopes raised by the resumption of negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians," the Pontiff said, touching on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the situation in Iraq.
The Pope also prayed for peace in Ukraine. Invoking God, he said, "We ask you to enlighten and inspire the initiatives that promote peace in Ukraine, so that all those involved, with the support of the international community, will make every effort to prevent violence."
He also recalled those suffering in Africa and urged a halt to brutal terrorist attacks in parts of Nigeria. The pope urged pilgrims to promote reconciliation and fraternal accord in Venezuela.
Editor: Ade P Marboen
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