Pope Francis: Peace and reconciliation

Pope Francis has called for peace and reconciliation around the world in his Christmas message. H prayed for the success of recent UN resolutions for peace in Syria and Libya, and condemned “brutal acts of terrorism” in France, Lebanon, Egypt, Tunisia and Mali.

 Thousands of pilgrims turned out to see the address known as “Urbi et Orbi” to the city and the world.

Celebrating Mass on Christmas Eve, Pope Francis called on Roman Catholics not be “intoxicated” by possessions.

Speaking from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff also urged Israelis and Palestinians to resume direct peace talks and backs international efforts to end atrocities in Libya and Syria.