By Richard Shaw THE Prim used his Easter message this year to call upon all the continents in the world to seek peace.
Speaking to each continent in turn, Pope John Paul 11's Urbi et Orbi — to the city and the world — appealed to all "men and women of the third millennium" to work for peace through the risen Christ.
"This world of ours can change — peace is possible even in places where for too long there has been fighting and people have been killed, such as in the Holy Land and Jerusalem," he said.
The Holy Father added: And you, Africa, a land tormented by conflicts forever ensnaring it, lift your head, confident in the power of Christ risen.
"Thanks to his help. you, too, Asia, cradle of centuriesold spiritual traditions, may win the challenge of tolerance and solidarity.
"And you, Latin America, reservoir of young promise, only in Christ will you find the capacity and courage for a development respectful of every human being," he said.
The address followed Mass celebrated by the Pope in St Peter's Square, attended by 60,000 people. He completed the ceremony by greeting the crowd mid the millions watching on TV with messages in 61 languages.