Pope delivers Christmas plea for peace, justice and harmony

Pope Benedict wished peace to the world during his Christmas message, decrying the slaughter of the “defenceless” in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.

Delivering the traditional address from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, a weary-looking Benedict also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.

He called on the North African region to build societies “founded on justice and respect for the dignity of every person”.

He prayed for the return of peace in Mali and harmony in Nigeria, where, he said, “savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians”.

Speaking about China’s newly installed leaders, he expressed the hope “they will esteem the contribution of the religions, in respect for each other, in such a way that they can help to build a fraternal society for the benefit of that noble people and of the whole world”.