The situation in North Korea, he added, has been heated for a long time, "but now it seems it has heated up too much, no?"

Francis took the risk, trusting in God. His decision transmitted a message of hope on the political front to all Egyptians, Christians and Muslims alike, who are well aware that their country is today a target for ISIS terrorists and is engaged in a battle against terrorism.

The pope emphasized that Egypt, because of its history and geographical position, “occupies a unique role in the Middle East.

“What is needed are peacemakers, not fomenters of conflict; firefighters not arsonists; preachers of reconciliation and not instigators of destruction.”

“Peace be with you” was the message of the Risen Jesus to his disciples on the first Easter, and it is the message Francis will bring to the Muslim and Christian communities in this land.

The conference brought together six lay people from different countries “to reflect on the post-synod apostolic exhortation that has aroused grave perplexities and widespread unease in numerous components of the Catholic world.”

Pope Francis will be in Egypt for two days beginning on April 28.

The Vatican spokesman, Greg Burke, told America that no official request for an audience had arrived at the Vatican from the U.S. president as of late Wednesday evening, April 19.

Italian media report that a nerve gas was used in yesterday’s attack by the forces of the Assad regime against the rebels in this area.

The cardinal considered it “highly significant” that Francis’ letter is dated April 4—the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.