Pope Francis appeals for peace in Syria in Easter message

Pope Francis has delivered his first Easter message, making a call for peace in the Middle East. Syria, in particular, was a key theme as the pontiff gave his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing in front of thousands.

Delivering his "Urbi et Orbi" speech - meaning "to the city and the world" in Latin - at St. Peter's Square on Sunday, the pope made an appeal for peace in the Middle East.

Pope Francis spoke about conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, which he said had been going on for "all too long," as well as in Iraq where he prayed that "every act of violence may end."

However, the pope - speaking in front of some 250,000 people - placed particular emphasis on his appeal for peace in Syria, where a civil war has entered its third year.

The 76-year-old ended by addressing global issues, in particular the "extensive and widespread" problem of human trafficking, the drugs trade and the "iniquitous exploitation of natural resources."