Celebrating the third Easter of his pontificate, Pope Francis has prayed for peace in conflict zones around the world and an end to the persecution of Christians.

After saying Mass for thousands of people in a rainy St. Peter’s Square, he delivered a mostly sombre and grim traditional ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (to the city and the world) message.

Francis urged people to pray for victims of violence in Africa, particularly the
Kenyan students slaughtered by Islamist rebels targeting Christians. The pope has already lamented what he called the ‘complicit silence’ over anti-Christian attacks.

He also acknowledged this week’s framework nuclear deal with Iran, hoping it would be a ‘definitive step towards a more secure and fraternal world.”