Decrying the suffering in Syria, Pope Francis has wished Christmas peace and hope for all those scarred by war and terrorism, which he says is sowing "fear and death in the heart of many countries and cities".
Some 40,000 tourists and Romans calmly endured long security lines to enter St. Peter's Square to see the Pope on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday, where he delivered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and to the world") Christmas message and blessing.
Francis spoke sorrowfully of the suffering caused by the Syrian war, especially in Aleppo, pressing the international community to help negotiate a solution. He urged Israelis and Palestinians to "write a new page of history, where hate and revenge give way" toward building a future of understanding and harmony.
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He also cited the "brutality of terrorism" in Iraq, Libya and Yemen.
In Nigeria, the Pope lamented, "fundamentalist terrorism exploits even children", a reference to child suicide bombers. He expressed hope that dialogue would prevail over "the mindset of conflict" in both South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The heavy security at the Vatican reflected apprehension in much of Europe, which is reeling from extremist attacks.
His Christmas message also recalled Colombia, which has seen his personal intervention try to end Latin America's longest running conflict, and Venezuela, where a papal envoy has tried to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition as Venezuelans endure widespread food and medicine shortages.
Francis expressed concern over tensions on the Korean peninsula, and over Myanmar, which he said should "consolidate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence".
During Christmas Eve Mass in the basilica, Francis said Jesus' birth, in a humble stable, calls to mind how some children today must hide in underground bomb shelters, live on the street, lie on the bottom of overcrowded smugglers' boats, are given weapons instead of toys or aren't allowed to be born at all.
