( CNN ) -- Pope Benedict XVI called for peace amid ongoing conflicts in Africa and the Middle East and mentioned the plight of those in Japan during his annual Easter message Sunday . The pope singled out Libya , saying , `` may diplomacy and dialogue take the place of arms and may those who suffer as a result of the conflict be given access to humanitarian aid . '' Forces loyal to Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi have been battling rebels for control of parts of Libya ever since protests erupted in the country in February . Demonstrators first rallied against high unemployment and a delay in a government housing project , but they eventually called for an end to Gadhafi 's four decades in power -- a protest that erupted into war . The pope also urged the restoration of `` peaceful coexistence '' in Ivory Coast , where a long-running political stalemate led to violence that forced nearly a million people into the main city of Abidjan and left hundreds dead , according to aid groups . The standoff only recently ended after President Alassane Ouattrara assumed power . The former president , Laurent Gbagbo , had refused to step down after he lost the election last year . `` There is an urgent need to tread the path of reconciliation and pardon in order to heal the deep wounds caused by the recent violence , '' the pope said in reference to the West African nation . `` In the countries of northern Africa and the Middle East , may all citizens , especially young people , work to promote the common good and to build a society where poverty is defeated and every political choice is inspired by respect for the human person , '' the pope said . `` May help come from all sides to those fleeing conflict and to refugees from various African countries who have been obliged to leave all that is dear to them ; may people of good will open their hearts to welcome them , so that the pressing needs of so many brothers and sisters will be met with a concerted response in a spirit of solidarity ; and may our words of comfort and appreciation reach all those who make such generous efforts and offer an exemplary witness in this regard . '' Finally , the pope said he hoped Japan would find `` consolation and hope '' in the aftermath of the March earthquake , tsunami , and nuclear crisis , `` along with other countries that in recent months have been tested by natural disasters which have sown pain and anguish . ''
Pope Benedict XVI delivers his annual Easter message . The pope said the world is facing a "grave crisis" and that it must be addressed with compassion for all people. He also called for consolation and hope in Japan .