By IRNA
Rome : Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday appealed for just solutions to the conflicts in Middle East, Iraq, Africa and elsewhere in his annual Christmas message.
He denounced terrorism and violence that victimized children and women.
His address came as millions of Christians around the world celebrated the traditional day of Christ’s birth.
The Pope spoke from a balcony in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, overlooking the square where thousands of people had gathered in the winter sunshine.
He said he hoped the “light of Christ” would “shine forth and bring consolation to those who live in the darkness of poverty, injustice and war.”
In his Orbi speech, he said: “May this Christmas truly be for all people a day of joy, hope and peace.”
He urged political leaders to have the “wisdom and courage to seek and find humane, just and lasting solutions” to “ethnic, religious and political tensions which are destroying the internal fabric of many countries and embittering international relations.”