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.

Attacks on Christians in Africa and the Middle East have been the grim backdrop of all Holy Week ceremonies leading up to Easter.

“We ask Jesus, the Victor over death, to lighten the sufferings of our many brothers and 
sisters who are persecuted for his name, and of all those who suffer injustice as a result of 
ongoing conflicts and violence - and there are many,” Francis told pilgrims.

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope urged people to pray for victims of violence in Africa, particularly the Kenyan students slaughtered by Islamist rebels targeting Christians.

“May constant prayer rise up from all people of g