Pontiff in plea for peace and tolerance of migrants

Published on Sunday 24 April 2011 16:46

THE Pope offered an Easter prayer for diplomacy to prevail over warfare in Libya and for citizens of the Middle East to build a new society based on respect.

Benedict XVI also called on Europeans to welcome refugees from North Africa, in his traditional Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

"In heaven, all is peace and gladness. But, alas, all is not so on earth," the Pope told a crowd of more than 100,000 that overflowed from St. Peter's Square. "In the current conflict in Libya, may diplomacy and dialogue replace arms, and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given access to humanitarian aid."

Referring to North Africa and the Middle East, the Pope prayed that all citizens, especially young people, would "work to promote the common good and to build a society where poverty is defeated and every political choice is inspired by respect for the human person".

Uprisings, repression and civil warfare have triggered an influx of people to Europe.

Benedict urged people of good will to "open their hearts to welcome them."

He added: "The Easter alleluia contrasts with the cries and laments that arise from so many painful situations: deprivation, hunger, disease, war, violence."