Pope Francis' Christmas message wishes peace for troubled world

December 25, 2016 19:26

Pope Francis has wished Christmas peace for people scarred by wars and those who lost loved ones to terrorism that he says is sowing fear and death in many cities and countries.

Speaking from the central balcony of St Peters Basilica Sunday, Pope Francis cited those suffering through the Syrian war, especially during the most awful battles in Aleppo. He pressed the international community for a negotiated solution.

Today this message goes out to the ends of the earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace, he said.

In his annual Christmas Day address, known as Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world in Latin), the pope touched on troubled places around the globe and the especially tragic impact these conflict have on innocent children.

He urged Israelis and Palestinians to set aside hate and revenge and write a new page of history.

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