Pope Francis has issued an appeal for global peace while delivering his traditional Easter message from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
“We ask you, Lord Jesus, to put an end to all war and every conflict, whether great or small, ancient or recent,” Francis said.
He recalled conflicts in Syria, Iraq, the Central African Republic, Nigeria, South Sudan, between Israelis and Palestinians, as well as tensions in Venezuela and Ukraine.
“Lord, we pray to you for all the peoples of the earth: you who have conquered death, grant us your life, grant us your peace,” the pontiff said.