Pope Francis uses Easter sermon to condemn ‘horror and death’ in Syria

“May [God] sustain the efforts of those who are actively working to bring comfort and relief to the civilian population in beloved Syria, who are greatly suffering from a war that does not cease to sow horror and death,” he said to a crowd of around 60,000 people in St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City.

Francis also spoke out against “old and new” forms of slavery and discrimination, and prayed for Jesus to help world leaders seek an end to the arms trade.

“In the complex and often dramatic situations of today’s world, may the risen Lord guide the steps of all those who work for justice and peace,” he said. “May he grant the leaders of nations the courage they need to prevent the spread of conflicts and to put a halt to the arms trade.”

Francis — whose own father was an immigrant — also prayed for Jesus to help struggling migrants across the globe. He also noted the latest Saturday suicide bombing, which killed more than 100 people near Aleppo, and prayed for humanitarian workers.

“Especially in these days, may he sustain the efforts of all those actively engaged in bringing comfort and relief to the civil population in Syria, prey to a war that continues to sow horror and death. And yesterday, the latest despicable attack on refugees, which caused a number of deaths and injuries,” he said.

The pope also prayed for peace in the Middle East in general, for victims of famine in Africa and for peace in Latin America.

“May it be possible for bridges of dialogue to be built, by continuing to fight the scourge of corruption and to seek viable and peaceful solutions to disputes, for progress and the strengthening of democratic institutions in complete respect for the rule of law,” he said.