Pope Condemns Iraq "Slaughter" During Easter Address

Pope Benedict XVI has spoken out in his Easter message against the "continual slaughter" taking place in Iraq as well as the increasing unrest in Afghanistan.

Speaking during his "Urbi et Orbi" message, which was received by tens of thousands of pilgrims gathered in St Peter's Square, Rome, as well as millions worldwide in 67 countries via television, the pope listed his concerns facing modern day society.

In particular, Pope Benedict revealed his deep concerns for the Middle East and Africa. He said: "Nothing positive comes from Iraq, torn apart by continual slaughter as the civil population flees."

He added that in Afghanistan there was growing "unrest and instability".

However, the pope also used his address to condemn the use of religion as a justification for violence and war: "Peace is sorely needed" the pope told.

In total, the pope's speech was delivered in 62 languages across the globe, and involved Pope Benedict giving a blessing to the crowds, which was met with huge cheers.

Adding concern for Africa into his speech, the pontiff rebuked the violence and looting being reported in the Democratic Republic of Congo and said renewed fighting in Somalia had "driven away the prospect of peace and worsened a regional crisis."

He said: "In Darfur and in the neighbouring countries, there is a catastrophic, and, sadly to say, underestimated humanitarian situation."

Pope Benedict has two further large events to celebrate in April, including his 80th birthday on 16 April, as well as his second anniversary since his election as Pontiff on 19 April.