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Pope prays for peace in Ukraine on Easter [PHOTOS]

Pope Francis calls for peace across the globe and prays for renewed negotiations in Israel and Palestine.

By Danielle Haynes
Pope Francis arrives in Saint Peter's Square for Sunday Easter Mass at the Vatican in Vatican City on April 20, 2014. The pope prayed for an end to all war and conflict as he addressed tens of thousands of the Roman Catholic faithful. UPI/Stefano Spaziani
1 of 15 | Pope Francis arrives in Saint Peter's Square for Sunday Easter Mass at the Vatican in Vatican City on April 20, 2014. The pope prayed for an end to all war and conflict as he addressed tens of thousands of the Roman Catholic faithful. UPI/Stefano Spaziani | License Photo

VATICAN CITY, April 20 (UPI) -- Pope Francis prayed for peace in troubled Ukraine and Syria on Sunday during his Easter Mass at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.

About 150,000 people gathered in the square to hear to pope's Urbi et Orbi address.

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He mentioned several conflicts and epidemics responsible for death across the globe, including those in Ukraine, Syria, Nigeria, Iraq and South Sudan.

"We pray in a particular way for Syria, that all those suffering the effects of the conflict can receive needed humanitarian aid," he said.

He also called for the "resumption of negotiations between Israel and Palestine."

"That's it: Happy Easter!" Francis finished, on a lighter note. "Go and have a good lunch!"

[NPR] [USA Today]

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