THE Pope appealed in his Easter message yesterday for "artisans of justice and peace" to "continue to build up a new humanity." Referring to specific armed conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the Pope called for a rejection of "every kind of violence, sectarianism and injustice".
More than 100,000 people gathered in St Peter's Square for the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which was also broadcast to millions of television viewers in 64 countries. The Pope had earlier celebrated Mass outside St Peter's Basilica.
"O risen Christ, redeemer of the human race, enlighten and guide all those who are building, peace, every day and in every corner of the globe at the cost of great sacrifices. Comfort those who reject the inevitability of ethnic rivalries in Burundi and Rwanda. Allay the sufferings of those who are subjected to the violence of arms in the Caucasus, in Afghanistan, Algeria, the Sudan and in so many other regions of the world," the Pope said.
Looking fit despite an exhausting round of Holy Week observances, the Pope spoke of people's "legitimate aspirations to employment, to housing, to greater social justice and true freedom of conscience and religion".