Pope Francis in his Christmas message called for an end to violence around the world, focusing on Syria but also drawing attention to conflicts in Africa and the Middle-East.
“Too many lives have been shattered in recent times by the conflict in Syria, fuelling hatred and vengeance,” the Pope said, and urged “the parties in conflict to put an end to all violence and guarantee access to humanitarian aid.”
Pope Francis also called for peace in the “often forgotten and overlooked” Central African Republic “torn apart by a spiral of violence and poverty, where so many people are homeless, lacking water, food and the bare necessities of life”.
Calling for “social harmony” in South Sudan the Pope said “current tensions have already caused too many victims and are threatening peaceful coexistence in that young state.” The Pope also drew attention to Nigeria which is “rent by constant attacks which do not spare the innocent and defenceless.”
The Pope hoped for “a favourable outcome to the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians” and to “heal the wounds of the beloved country of Iraq, once more struck by frequent acts of violence”.
In his prayer Pope Francis called for “hope and consolation to the displaced and refugees, especially in the Horn of Africa and in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo” and “that migrants in search of a dignified life may find acceptance and assistance.”
See here for the Holy See’s full transcript.