( CNN ) Pope Francis reminded the world of the Vatican 's status as a state and his role as a moral diplomat in his traditional speech given at the end of Easter Mass . The Pontiff lamented the suffering of people in the conflicts currently making headlines and called for violence everywhere to end . Foremost , he asked that bloodshed end in Iraq and Syria and that humanitarian aid get to those in need . `` May the international community not stand by before the immense humanitarian tragedy unfolding in these countries and the drama of the numerous refugees , '' he said in his `` urbi et orbi '' address , Latin for `` to the city ( Rome ) and to the world . '' Then he turned to the Holy Land , expressing the wish that the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians resume . Francis mentioned Libya ; the nuclear talks with Iran in Lausanne , Switzerland ; Yemen ; Nigeria ; South Sudan ; and the shooting at the Garissa University College in Kenya . He also hoped for peace in Ukraine and for healing for those who have suffered there . The Pope turned to economic oppression : `` We ask for peace and freedom for the many men and women subject to old and new forms of enslavement on the part of criminal individuals and groups , '' he said . He asked for peace from drug dealers , corrupt officials who collaborate with them , and arms dealers . Pope Francis ended the address consoling the marginalized , the poor , the sick and the suffering . And he wished all a happy Easter . CNN 's Annie Ramos contributed to this report .
The Pontiff laments the suffering of people in conflicts currently making headlines . Pope Francis speaks during a meeting with members of the Pontifical Academy for Life at Vatican City on April 24, 2016.