Pope Francis Christmas Address Calls for Peace in Syria and Middle East & Urges the Faithful to Have an Open Heart, to Avoid ‘Pride, Deceit & Self-Seeking’

During his first Christmas address to the throngs of faithful outside of St. Peter’s Basilica and across the world , Pope Francis called for Peace in the Middle East and for all to have an open heart, to avoid pride, deceit and self-seeking. The Pope hoped for a better world, including successful Middle East negotiations in the land of Jesus’ birth, peace for Syria, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Iraq, and dignity for refugees fleeing misery and conflict.

Pope Francis on Christmas Day is wishing for a better world, with peace for the land of Jesus’ birth, for Syria and Africa, as well as for the dignity of migrants and refugees fleeing misery and conflict.

Francis spoke from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica Wednesday to tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans in the square below. He said he was joining in the song of Christmas angels with all those hoping “for a better world,” and with those who “care for others, humbly.”

Among places ravaged by conflict, Francis singled out Syria, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, Nigeria and Iraq. He also prayed for fruitful peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians

Pope Francis - VIDEO UK Telegraph (click on pic to watch VIDEO)

The Pope calls for Lord of Life to protect all that are persecuted in your name. Pope Francis went on to say, “Child of Bethlehem, touch the hearts of all those engaged in human trafficking that they realize the gravity of this crime against humanity. Look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers.”

“Dear brothers and sisters today in this World in this humanity is born this Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Let us pause before the child of Bethlehem.”

During his first Christmas Eve Mass as head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis encouraged the faithful to emulate Jesus to avoid the darkness of the world.