Pope urges world leaders to resolve conflicts

The Pope today called for world leaders to resolve conflicts in Iraq, the Middle East and Africa, and used his Easter message to pray that hope will conquer the “inhuman” and growing phenomenon of terrorism.

“May the culture of life and love render vain the logic of death,” he said.

The Pope delivered the message in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing - Latin for “To the City and the World,” as he celebrated Easter Mass on the flower-decked steps of St Peter’s Square before tens of thousands of people.

Speaking strongly and clearly, John Paul urged the faithful to find the courage to confront the many evils facing the world today.

“In particular, may (humanity) find the strength to face the inhuman and unfortunately growing phenomenon of terrorism, which rejects life and brings anguish and uncertainty to the daily lives of so many hard-working and peaceful people,” John Paul said.

He called for governments and international institutions to overcome the troubles afflicting people around the globe and work for a more peaceful world order.

“May world leaders be confirmed and sustained in their efforts to resolve satisfactorily the continuing conflicts that cause bloodshed in certain regions of Africa, Iraq and the Holy Land,” he said.

John Paul has frequently used his Easter message to reflect on war, poverty and terrorism – and his remarks this year appeared particularly directed to the fresh violence in Iraq and the ongoing hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians.

On Friday, the 83-year-old Pope, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, braved the chilly night air to preside over a reenactment of Christ’s Passion at Rome’s Colosseum.

In years past, John Paul himself had carried a light cross through the Good Friday ritual recreating the last hours of Jesus’ life, but in recent years as his ailments worsened, he has left it to others to perform the Stations of the Cross.

This morning, he celebrated Mass under a hazy and chilly sky, surrounded by cardinals in red and an arch of pink tulips and yellow daffodils arranged around the altar on the steps of St Peter’s.