Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has strongly condemned recent gang-related violence in the country.
In his Easter Vigil homily, the Archbishop said the violence leads its perpetrators nowhere except to fill their own lives and hearts with what he called the darkness of death.
Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI has called for peace and reconciliation in the Middle East and Africa.
'Reconciliation ... is a precondition for a future of overall security and peaceful coexistence, and it can only be achieved through renewed, persevering and sincere efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,' he said.
'Africa suffers disproportionately from the cruel and unending conflicts, often forgotten, that are causing so much bloodshed and destruction in several of her nations,' the pope added.
He was speaking in the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' Easter message following mass at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
In his Easter message, the Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady has said it is important to acknowledge the spiritual and human resources which can contribute to the well being of society in the current economic climate.
