Pope Benedict XVI fears for Christians in Pakistan

Vatican City: April 04, 2010, (PCTV Newsdesk)

Pope Benedict XVI went on to mention some of the places in the world awaiting this triumph of Christ.

"I pray to the Lord Jesus that in the Middle East, and especially in the land sanctified by his death and resurrection, the peoples will  ccomplish a true and definitive 'exodus' from war and violence to peace and concord,"  the Pope said. He particularly mentioned the plight of Christians in Iraq.

The Holy Father also spoke of the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, "seeing a dangerous resurgence of crimes linked to drug trafficking," and he remembered quake-stricken Haiti and Chile. The Pontiff called to mind Africa, saying, "In the strength of the risen Jesus, may the conflicts in Africa come to an end." He recalled specifically the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Nigeria.

Finally, he spoke of Christians who suffer persecution and even death for their faith, as for example in Pakistan; and countries afflicted by terrorism and by social and religious discrimination.

"Easter does not work magic," Benedict XVI reflected. "Just as the Israelites found the desert awaiting them on the far side of the Red Sea, so the Church, after the resurrection, always finds history filled with joy and hope, grief and anguish. And yet, this history is changed, it is marked by a new and eternal covenant, it is truly open to the future. For this reason, saved by hope, let us continue our pilgrimage, bearing in  our hearts the song that is ancient and yet ever new: 'Let us sing to the Lord: glorious his triumph!'"