VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Benedict XVI appealed for an end to situations of violence and intolerance in the world, especially in Iraq and Egypt.

He also called for prayers and solidarity for victims of human trafficking, specifically the hundreds of African immigrants who are being held hostage by human traffickers in Egypt’s Sinai Desert near the Israeli border.

“I invite all of you to pray for every situation of violence, intolerance and suffering that exists in the world,” the Pope said during his Sunday Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square Dec. 5.

The Pope said, “I am thinking about many difficult situations, like the continual attacks against Christians and Muslims in Iraq (and) the clashes in Egypt, in which people died and were injured” when riots broke out after police halted the construction of a church. Authorities said the church was in violation of building permits. Police detained more than 150 Christians after the clashes in late November.

The Pope also underlined the plight of “victims of traffickers and criminals,” specifically mentioning the plight of hundreds of refugees, including nearly 80 Eritreans, who were being held hostage in the Sinai desert.

Italian news reports said the kidnappers were asking $8,000 ransom for each of hostages, who reportedly already had paid the smugglers to take them to Israel.

“The respect of everyone’s rights is the prerequisite for civil coexistence,” Pope Benedict said.

He asked that people’s prayers and acts of solidarity “bring hope to those who are suffering.”