Pope Francis appears to urge Israelis and Palestinians to agree a two-state solution to conflict as he calls for a united front against 'acts of terrorism' in Christmas message
Pope Francis used his Christmas message to urge Israelis and Palestinians to formulate a two state solution by sitting down at the negotiation table and agreeing a peace deal to allow both sides 'to live together in harmony'.
He also called for peace in a world torn apart by 'brutal acts of terrorism' while thanking the generosity of countries for showing mercy and offering shelter to desperate refugees.
Speaking from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, Francis issued a Christmas Day peace appeal Friday against poverty and extremist attacks.
He said: 'Only God's mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst.'
'Where God is born, hope is born. He brings hope. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.'
He asked that Israelis and Palestinians resume direct dialogue which would 'enable two people to live together in harmony and end a conflict which has caused great conflict for the entire region', before praying for an end to the civil war in Syria and 'in remedying the extremely grave humanitarian situation of its suffering people'.
Pope Francis then turned his thoughts to those affected by 'brutal acts of terrorism', mentioning the recent attacks that left hundreds dead in the likes of Egypt, Paris and Tunisia. He also called for the international community to end the atrocities taking place in Iraq, Libya, Yemen and sub-Saharan Africa, and called for peace and concord across Africa and in Ukraine.
Speaking before 40,000 people in the Vatican, he issued thanks to those countries who have come to the aid of migrants displaced from their homes, pleading for solidarity with those fleeing war and poverty who travel 'all too often through inhumane conditions and not infrequently at the risk of their lives'.
He continued: 'Where hope is born persons regain their dignity yet even today great numbers of men and women are deprived of human dignity and suffer cold, poverty and rejection.
'May God repay all those, both individuals and states, who generously work to provide assistance and welcome to the numerous migrants and refugees, to help them build a dignified future for themselves and their dear ones and to be integrated in societies which welcome them.'
'May our closeness today be felt by those most vulnerable, especially child soldiers, women who suffer violence and the victims of human trafficking and the drug trade.
Today's message followed last night's Christmas Eve Mass in which the Pope urged Christians to abandon superficial desires and end the modern day obsession with consumerism.
Francis, who has called for compassion for the less fortunate throughout his three year papacy, stressed that the world has become 'intoxicated' by capitalism - and reminded the 1.2billion Christians to follow the most basic teachings of Christ.
He said: 'In a society so often intoxicated by consumerism and hedonism, wealth and extravagance, appearances and narcissism, this Child calls us to act soberly.
'In other words, in a way that is simple, balanced, consistent, capable of seeing and doing what is essential.'
As the great bells of St Peter's Basilica rang out, Francis, swathed in flowing white robes, unveiled a statue of baby Jesus and gently kissed it to start the mass.
Youngsters from countries which Francis has visited as Pontiff were invited to watch him speak inside the grand 16th Century church - one of the largest in the world.
The children left bouquets around a statue of the baby Jesus which lay near the central alter, before Francis, 79, addressed the thousands who gathered at the basilica.
Francis, who has called for compassion for the less fortunate throughout his three year papacy, added that at Christmas we must 'once more rediscover who we are'.
The service began with a long chant in Latin, known as the Kalenda, the traditional proclamation of the birth of Jesus.
The great bells of St. Peter's then rang out and the pope, dressed in white vestments, kissed a statue of the infant Jesus to start the solemn Mass.
Security was ramped up for the mass, with several policemen carrying out spot checks around the Vatican. Everyone who entered the basilica passed through through metal detectors.
Argentina born Francis encapsulated in his homily some of the key themes of his papacy - mercy, compassion, empathy and justice.
He said: 'In a world which all too often is merciless to the sinner and lenient to the sin, we need to cultivate a strong sense of justice, to discern and to do God's will.'
Francis, who admitted to having a slight flu earlier this week, seemed tired and spoke with a slightly hoarse voice at times.
Francis has called for a more merciful and less judgmental Church, one that is more compassionate towards groups such as homosexuals and the divorced.
Conservatives have criticised some of his statements, such as the now famous 'Who am I to judge?' comment about homosexuals. The conservatives said such statements sowed confusion among the faithful.
The pope said child Jesus was calling on everyone to rethink the way they treat others.
He added: 'Amid a culture of indifference which not infrequently turns ruthless, our style of life should instead be devout, filled with empathy, compassion and mercy, drawn daily from the wellspring of prayer.'
On Christmas day, Francis will deliver the traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' [to the city and the world] message from the central balcony of St Peter's Square, from where he first appeared to the world after his election on March 13, 2013.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to St Peter's Square outside the basilica to hear the pontiff deliver his Christmas Day speech at 11pm (GMT).
St Peter's Basilica itself has a huge capacity and can easily host more than 15.000 people.
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