Pope Speaks Out Against 'Rejection' Of Migrants, Refugees In Easter Message

Pope Francis gestures to crowds at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome following Easter Sunday Mass on March 27.

Pope Francis has spoken out against the "rejection" of migrants and refugees during his traditional Easter day message and blessing on March 27.

In his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world) address, Pope Francis spoke of violence, injustice, and threats to peace around the world under tight security in St. Peter's Square, where tens of thousands gathered.

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Francis urged Catholics "not to forget those men and women seeking a better future, an ever more numerous throng of migrants and refugees - including many children - fleeing from war, hunger, poverty, and social injustice."

Francis also urged the world to use the "weapons of love" to fight the evil of "blind and brutal violence," following the attacks in Brussels earlier this week.

Pope Francis condemned the Brussels attacks several times this week, including at a Good Friday service on March 25.

Based on reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters