Pope Benedict XVI included Libya in his Easter prayers on Sunday. He prayed for diplomacy to prevail in the country and for the citizens to build a brand new society that is rooted on respect. He also asked Europeans to welcome North African refugees.

While the pope delivered the “Urbi et Orbi” (a tradition of giving a Papal message from the central balcony of the St. Peter’s Basilica) he said that in heaven, peace and gladness overflows. Thus, it pains him that it is not the case down here on Earth.

The pope said that he is praying for dialogues and diplomacy to replace arms and wars in Libya. He also hoped that those who suffered or are suffering because of the conflict be given humanitarian aid. As a great contradiction to the Pope’s plea on Sunday, Gadhafi forces launched an attack in Misrata killing 32 people.

Moreover, the Pope prayed that everyone in the Middle East and in Africa, most especially their youth, should work hand in hand to create a society that is based on mutual respect and a community that works to beat poverty and hunger.

Repression and uprising have forced people to European shores and Europe is still battling over whether or not they should deport the migrants who are mostly from Libya and North America. Because of that, the Pope also called for European leaders and people to pity the migrants and find it in their hearts to welcome the people of North Africa and the Middle East.