VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis called Sunday for an end to “carnage” in Syria and “reconciliation” in the Middle East in his traditional Easter message. “Today we implore fruits of peace upon the entire world, beginning with the beloved and long-suffering land of Syria,” the pontiff said in the “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) address. Christians around the world are marking the Holy Week, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, leading up to his resurrection on Easter. Earlier Sunday the pontiff celebrated Easter mass in the flower-bedecked square, which was under tight security. Last week saw a wave of anti-terror arrests, with Interior Minister Marco Minniti warning of a high risk of an attack.

Source: New Strait Times April 01, 2018 12:11 UTC