Pope urges end to Syria 'horror' in Easter address

April 16, 2017 18:29

Pope Francis urged an end to "horror and death" in Syria today as he celebrated the traditional Easter Day mass in Rome.

The Easter mass, the highlight of the Christian calendar began under a cloudy sky where worshippers had gathered since the early hours to gain access amid tight security.

He expressed hope that Jesus' own sacrifice might "sustain the efforts of all those actively engaged in bringing comfort and relief to the civil population in Syria, prey to a war that continues to sow horror and death."

And he prayed for peace for the entire Middle East "beginning with the Holy Land, as well as in Iraq and Yemen."

He also spoke out against the hostilities and famine in Africa, notably in South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He further urged world leaders to hear the message of peace as they contend with "the complex and often dramatic situations of today's world," and to work "to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade."

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Monsoon Will Be 'Above-Normal' This Year

It is in more than a decade that the IMD has predicted 'above-normal' rains in the country.

Long runway of growth for AMCs

Although net inflows into equity mutual funds deteriorated month-on-month (M-o-M) in March 2024 to Rs 22,576 crore (excluding Hybrid), down 15 per cent M-o-M (up 12 per cent Y-o-Y), asset management companies (AMCs) had a great year with...

How Priyamani Stays Fit And Gorgeous

The Maidaan actor shares her diet, fitness and fashion fundas with Rediff.com.

Did Patidar Bat Better Than Kohli?

Rajat Patidar completely overshadowed senior team-mate Virat Kohli with a blistering display of power hitting.

Attack on High Commission in London: NIA makes first arrest

NIA investigations in the case so far have revealed that the incidents in London on March 19 and 22 last year were part of a larger conspiracy to unleash vicious attacks on the Indian missions and its officials.