5 Things Pope Francis Asked People to Pray for on Easter

— -- On a rainy afternoon in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis urged the world to pray for peace and for Christians to be more humble in his annual Easter address.

Thousands flocked to the Vatican to hear the pope's traditional Urbi et Orbi Easter message, given to the city of Rome and to the world.

The pope preached that humility equals strength, adding that Christians "do not need to employ violence; they speak and act with the power of truth, beauty and love."

A short but specific prayer request list followed:

1. The Middle East

The pope asked for peace, "above all," for Syria and Iraq, citing the humanitarian crisis and large number of refugees in both countries. But he made no specific mention of ISIS, which the Vatican confirmed earlier this year had made threats against the pope. He also asked for prayers for Israel and Palestine, encouraging a "culture of encounter" to continue to grow.

2. The Iranian Nuclear Talks

In a slightly veiled comment, Pope Francis praised "the framework recently agreed to in Lausanne, [Switzerland]," where talks have been taking place, "that it may be a definitive step toward a more secure and fraternal world." The Obama administration has praised a recently agreed to framework that it says would stop Iran's path to a nuclear bomb.

3. The Victims of the Attack in Kenya

The pope again asked for prayers for those killed in a terrorist attack in Kenya on Thursday that left 147 dead. The pope this week condemned the attack in which gunmen reportedly targeted Christians.

4. Other Places in Africa

The pope also asked for prayers for other places in Africa where war and suffering are taking place, specifically Libya, Nigeria, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

5. Ukraine

Closer to home, Francis hoped for peace for "those who have endured the violence of the conflict in recent months."