Pope backs Iran nuke deal, urges end to extremist violence

Eric J. Lyman | Special for USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Pope Francis calls for peace in Easter message In an Easter peace wish, Pope Francis expressed deep worry about bloodshed in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa while praising the framework nuclear agreement with Iran as an opportunity to make the world safer. (April 5)

VATICAN CITY – Tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square for Easter Mass in a cold, pouring rain Sunday to hear Pope Francis call for an end to global violence and the persecution of Christians by extremist groups.

Francis also expressed support for the Iran nuclear deal reached in Lausanne, Switzerland, saying he hoped it would be "a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world."

Ominous gray clouds poured rain on crowds that started to gather hours before the pope's traditional Easter "Urbi et Orbi" — Latin for "To the city and the world" — blessing.

The unseasonably cool weather kept crowds smaller than at previous major events Francis attended in recent months, but the enthusiasm that follows the pope wherever he goes was evident.

The pontiff entered the St. Peter's in a glass-covered "popemobile" with open sides just as the rain stopped, crisscrossing the square for nearly 15 minutes, waving to and blessing the drenched crowds, but not stopping as he often does.

He took a more somber tone when he appeared a few minutes later from the central window of St. Peter's Basilica for the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing.

After discussing the importance of Easter, which is one of the most important dates on the Catholic calendar, the pope, speaking in Italian, set his focus on warfare inflaming many parts of the world. He asked that "the roar of arms may cease and that peaceful relations may be restored."

He specifically mentioned Syria and Iraq, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Nigeria, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine, and Libya. He paused before calling for the "absurd bloodshed and all barbarous acts of violence" to cease in war-torn Liyba, the source of refugees flooding into Europe through Italy.

"May constant prayer rise up from all people of goodwill for those who lost their lives," Francis said. "I think in particular of the young people who were killed last Thursday at Garissa University College in Kenya, for all those who have been kidnapped, and for those forced to abandon their homes and loved ones."

Before Sunday's Mass, Vatican officials said the pope was concerned about the rising tide of violence, especially that directed at Christians who are often singled out for their religious beliefs. Father Federico Lombardi, the Vatican spokesman, said last week it was a topic Francis prayed about often.

As a symbolic gesture that Vatican officials said was aimed at breaking down the barriers among nationalities, Francis on Saturday evening baptized 10 people from around the world — Albania, Cambodia, Kenya, Italy, and Portugal — in an Easter vigil. During the vigil, the pontiff called on people of good intentions from all countries to "keep the flame of faith" alive.

"It is very important for the pope to call attention to these issues," said Lunetta Scaraffia, a contemporary history professor at Rome's La Sapienza University who has written extensively about the Vatican. "The theme of mercy is especially relevant at this period in the Catholic calendar; a call for peace is a call for mercy."

The faithful said Sunday they were moved by Francis' passion.

"I see Pope Francis as the world's conscience and so it's important that he cast a light on these terrible events," said Gabriella Farnese, 66, an office manager from Rome. "In these difficult times, a good and holy and passionate leader like Pope Francis is more important than ever."

Veronica Myers-Campbell, 41, a flight attendant from Chicago in Rome on vacation, said Francis has an ability to make people feel hopeful, despite difficult circumstances.

"He brings up these tragic events, but his goodness and enthusiasm give me hope," Myers-Campbell said. "I hope he can help bring out the good in other people."

Even those critical of the Vatican had praise for the pope's message Sunday. Alvaro Romano, 23, a Rome native who was part of a small student group protesting the Vatican's handling of sex abuse in the church, said the pope's message of peace resonated with him.

"I am not someone who agrees with everything the Vatican says or does, but this message of peace is important," Romano said. "I hope and pray people around the world will begin to lay down their arms and try to build peace."