VATICAN CITY, April 16: Pope Benedict XVI called for peace across the world in a traditional Easter message on Sunday, his 79th birthday, expressing particular concern over Iran’s nuclear drive and conflicts and poverty across the globe.

An estimated 80,000 pilgrims packed St Peter’s Square and nearby streets as Benedict XVI led his first Easter Sunday mass as pope, and later greeted Catholics around the world in his ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (to the city and the world) message.

In a veiled reference to Iran’s nuclear standoff with the international community, he called for ‘serious and honest’ talks to help achieve ‘an honourable solution’ for all parties.

The pontiff said he was praying that leaders and international organisations ‘be strengthened in their will to achieve peaceful coexistence among different races, cultures and religions … to remove the threat of terrorism.’

Similarly, a ‘patient and persevering dialogue’ was needed in the Middle East ‘to remove both ancient and new obstacles.’

The pilgrims and tourists applauded when the pope prayed for ‘harmony’ in Italy. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is refusing to concede defeat to the leftist opposition leader Romano Prodi after a disputed general election.

The pope looked tired after just a few hours sleep following the night vigil.—AFP