Pope Benedict calls for peace in Africa, the Middle East, Iraq and Tibet at
his his twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world)
blessing and message in St. Peter's square.

VATICAN CITY (MARCH 23, 2008) (CTV) -

Pope Benedict called in his Easter message on Sunday (March 23) for
an end to injustice, hatred and violence around the world, including in Tibet,
Iraq and Darfur.
    "How can we fail to remember certain African regions, such as
Darfur and Somalia, the tormented Middle East, especially the Holy Land, Iraq,
Lebanon, and finally Tibet, all of whom I encourage to seek solutions that
will safeguard peace and the common good," the pontiff said.
    The pope, who turns 81 next month, celebrated an Easter Mass for tens
of thousands of people in a driving rain in St. Peter's Square as Christians
around the world commemorated Christ's
resurrection.
    The wind and rain that has whipped most of Europe did not spare Rome as
the German pontiff, wearing white and gold vestments, said Mass while the
crowd huddled under umbrellas.
    The Pope said the Mass from under a canopy but cardinals, diplomats and
altar boys were drenched.
   "Sharing in the glory of Christ, may she (Mary) be the one to
protect us and guide us along the path of fraternal solidarity and peace.
These are my Easter greetings, which I address to all who are present here,
and to men and women of every nation and continent united with us through
radio and television. Happy Easter," the pontiff said.
   At the end of Urbi et orbi message Pope Benedict delivered Easter
greetings to the world in 63 languages.