Pope's Easter Message: Hope That Iran Nuclear Deal Makes World More Secure

During the traditional Easter Blessing on Sunday morning Pope Francis has expressed his hope that the Lausanne agreement between Tehran and P5+1 group of negotiators on Iran’s nuclear program will make the world safer, Vatican Radio reported.

ROME (Sputnik) – Despite the cold and the rain, Solemn Mass, delivered by the Holy Father in celebration of Easter, has gathered tens of thousands of people in Saint Peter's Square. After the Liturgy, Pope Francis gave the Blessing called “Urbi et Orbi” to the City [of Rome] and to the World.

“…in hope we entrust to the merciful Lord the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world,” Vatican radio cites Pope Francis as saying.

The Holy Father has prayed for peace in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine, asking to lighten the sufferings of people, involved in ongoing violence.

“May the Lord’s resurrection bring light to beloved Ukraine, especially to those who have endured the violence of the conflict of recent months. May the country rediscover peace and hope thanks to the commitment of all interested parties,” Pope Francis said, as quoted by Vatican Radio.

The Pope also asked for peace in Libya, Yemen and the Holy Land, expressing the hope that the peace negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians will resume.

The Pontiff also prayed for the victims of Thursday's attack at Garissa University in Kenya, which has claimed lives of more than 140 people.

At the end of the Easter message, Pope Francis has given absolution to people gathered at St. Peter's Square, all those who watched the mass on television, Internet or listened to it on the radio.