In his traditional Christmas message, Pope Francis called for peace in the Middle East and Yemen. The international community must work on a political solution to the Syrian conflict, so that the many refugees could "live in peace in their own homeland" after the long years of war.
At the same time he emphasized the importance of living together between people of different nations, cultures and religions. "Our difference does not hurt us (...), it does not mean danger, it's a wealth," said the pontiff.
The universal message of Christmas is that "we are all brothers and sisters". "Without the brotherhood Jesus has given us, all our efforts to create a more just world will be short lived, and even the best of intentions will become soulless structures."
Hope for peace in the Middle East
The head of the Catholic Church spoke in front of tens of thousands of believers who had gathered in bright sunshine in St. Peter's Square. From the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope addressed believers all over the world and then gave the solemn papal blessing "Urbi et Orbi" ("The City and the Earth").
In his Christmas message, the Pope expressed hope that the peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians would be resumed. In view of the fragile ceasefire in Yemen, he hopes that this steady and numerous children and adults will be able to escape "war and hunger".
The Pope also commented on conflicts in Africa "where millions of people are fleeing," but also on the crises in Venezuela and Nicaragua, where "divisions and discord" must be overcome. He also called for a continuation of the approach to the Korean Peninsula. In view of the conflict in Ukraine, he requested "relief" and the strengthening of the "fraternal ties".