The Pope, in his second Easter celebration, called for reconciliation in Afghanistan, where there is ``growing unrest and instability,'' and in Iraq, which is ``bloodied by continuous massacres.'' Benedict also called for Lebanon to find a new role in mediating between Israel and Palestinians in his ``Urbi et Orbi'' speech.

The address, whose title means ``To the City and to the World'' in Latin, is an occasion for the pontiff to speak about international affairs and the concerns of the Catholic Church. He delivers another such message at Christmas.

The pontiff recited an Easter blessing in 62 languages, including Arabic, Hebrew, Chinese, and his native German in front of tens of thousands of spectators in St. Peter's Square, many of whom chanted ``Viva il Papa!'' The celebration was broadcast live to 67 countries, news agency Ansa said.

Benedict expressed ``apprehension'' about the plight of many African areas, including Zimbabwe, Darfur and Somalia.

About 3,000 demonstrators in Rome marched today against the death penalty, calling for the government to push the United Nations to declare a universal moratorium on capital punishment. The demonstrators, led by Italian Trade Minister Emma Bonino, and Marco Panella, both leaders of the ruling coalition's Radical Party, ended their two-hour march in St. Peter's square.

They said they hoped the Pope would speak out against the death penalty in his homily today. The pontiff ``has a great opportunity and responsibility to speak to world leaders,'' Bonino said before the speech. ``He knows how influential he is.''

Benedict didn't mention capital punishment, though he spoke against terrorism, ``disdain for life,'' and violation of human rights.

Benedict celebrates his 80th birthday April 16.

Top picture: Lebanon celebrates Easter today. A Lebanese woman decorates a basket of Easter eggs at a shopping mall in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday April 7, 2007. Lebanese Christians colored eggs and decorated baskets of Easter eggs to be exchanged with loved ones on Easter day which this year will be celebrated on the same day by Christian Catholics and followers of the Greek Orthodox sect.

More pics on Easter celebration in Lebanon

UNIFIL also participated in the Easter Celebrations. Spanish U.N. peacekeepers receive painted eggs from a Lebanese girl (C) near a church after Easter service in Marjayoun, south Lebanon, April 8, 2007

A Spanish U.N peacekeeper breaks colored Easter eggs with Lebanese young girls outside a Church in Marjayoun village, southeast Lebanon, on Sunday April 8, 2007

A Lebanese woman, carries her daughter as she buys Easter eggs at a shopping mall in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday April 7, 2007

Sources: Bloomberg, Ya Libnan