Pope prays for peace in Easter sermon

Pope Benedict XVI, celebrating his first Easter as pontiff, prayed today for peace to prevail over relentless violence in Iraq, for a negotiated, ”honourable,” solution to the Iran nuclear crisis and for dialogue to overcome obstacles between Israel and the Palestinians.

Looking tired during Mass in St Peter’s Square before a crowd nearing 100,000 of pilgrims, tourists and Romans, Benedict also celebrated his 79th birthday, which coincided with Easter, when Christians joyously commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion.