At Easter, the pope asked to end the arms race

The Pope Francis asked politicians to end the "disturbing" arms race and he urged to open hearts to the poor, the poor, the unemployed, the marginalized, those who knock on the door in search of bread, a refuge or the recognition of their dignity.

"Make us builders of bridges, not walls. May he who gives us his peace, stop the roar of arms, both in war zones and in our cities, and encourage the leaders of nations to work to end the arms race and the spread of weapons, especially in the most economically advanced countries, "asked the pontiff.

Francisco made these considerations after the blessing "Urbi et Orbi", to the city and the world, that he gives twice a year at the end of the month Easter and Christmas.

The ceremony precedes the so-called & # 39; Angel's Monday & # 39;, which will be held today and during which Holy father will pray at midday the Marian prayer of Regina Coeli with the faithful and the pilgrims who will meet at St. Peter's Square

Focus in the Middle East

Sitting on the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Francisco Fitzgerald a record of the violence and suffering afflicting the world, starting with the conflict Syria who "continues and threatens" to bring people into "resignation and even indifference".

He stressed that Middle East is "torn apart by persistent divisions and tensions" and asked Christians in the region not to fail to testify with the "patient perseverance" of Risen Lord

The pope took advantage of his message to implore that the weapons "Stop the bloodshed in Libya, where in recent weeks, defenseless people are dying again and many families are forced to leave their homes."