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