Pope Benedict XVI has today called for fresh efforts to bring peace to the Middle East and Africa in his traditional Christmas message in Rome.
In an address that included an appeal for the poor, the exploited, and all those who suffer, he said: "With deep apprehension I think, on this festive day, of the Middle East, marked by so many grave crises and conflicts, and I express my hope that the way will be opened to a just and lasting peace."
The Pope also spoke of the "many grave crises and conflicts" in the Middle East and voiced "hope that the way will be opened to a just and lasting peace". He also deplored the conflicts in Darfur and other parts of Africa.
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI lamented the many deaths from hunger and disease around the world in "an age of unbridled consumerism". He urged a solution to conflicts across the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa.
Benedict added, in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" speech - Latin for "to the city and to the world": "I place in the hands of the divine child of Bethlehem the indications of a resumption of dialogue between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which we have witnessed in recent days, and the hope of further encouraging developments."
The Pope, speaking from a balcony overlooking St Peter's Square in the Vatican, also mentioned violence in Lebanon, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Darfur and the whole of Africa, as Ethiopian fighter jets bombed airports in Somalia and more people died in suicide bombings in Iraq.
Under his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, the Christmas Day message became an occasion to review progress and setbacks for humanity.
Benedict also noted that despite its modern-day successes, the world remains in desperate need of a saviour.
He also said the image of the baby Jesus in a manger should remind everyone of the plight of poor, abused and neglected children the world over.
"The child of Bethlehem directs our gaze toward all children, particularly those who suffer and are abused in the world, the born and the unborn," the Pope said in his homily, making a reference to abortion.
"Toward children who are placed as soldiers in a violent world; toward children who have to beg; toward children who suffer deprivation and hunger; toward children who are unloved. In all of these it is the Child of Bethlehem who is crying out to us. It is the God who has become small who appeals to us."
"Let us pray this night that the brightness of God's love may enfold all these children. Let us ask God to help us do our part so that the dignity of children may be respected. May they all experience the light of love, which mankind needs so much more than the material necessities of life," he said.