Pope Urges End to Syria Bloodshed

Pope Benedict XVI called on Sunday for an end to bloodshed in Syria and a commitment to dialogue to end the violence there, as part of a wider appeal to give hope to the entire Middle East.

"May the risen Christ grant hope to the Middle East and enable all the ethnic, cultural and religious groups in that region to work together to advance the common good and respect for human rights," he said in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" message to mark Easter Sunday.

"Particularly in Syria, may there be an end to bloodshed and an immediate commitment to the path of respect, dialogue and reconciliation, as called for by the international community," he said.

The pontiff also voiced hope that refugees fleeing the crisis in Syria who are in need of humanitarian assistance are given help to relieve "their dreadful sufferings".

Turning to Iraq, he encouraged the people to "spare no effort in pursuing the path of stability and development".

He added: "In the Holy Land, may Israelis and Palestinians courageously take up anew the peace process," with direct talks between the two sides frozen since September 2010.