Pope out of worries about violence in Holy Land

rome - Pope Francis has called for peace in the Holy Land in his Easter message. He said that this is now being affected by conflicts that 'do not spare the defenseless.'

The Pope spoke these words two days after at least fifteen people were killed in Palestinian protest in the Gaza Strip.

The pope also called for peace in the whole world. Among other things, he stipulated the bloodshed in Syria and pointed out that the Syrians 'have been exhausted by a virtually endless war. 'He also mentioned South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as countries for which he wishes peace. He also asked for international support for Venezuela to prevent more people from leaving their country because of the political and economic crisis in the South American country.

The pope gave the blessing Urbi et Orbi (for city and world). On the St. Peter's Square tens of thousands of people had gathered to listen to him.

Previously the Pope had preceded the mass. About 50,000 flowers were brought to Sint-Pietersplein. Also from the Keukenhof in Lisse a load of flowers had been transported to Rome.