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Pope calls for peace at Christmas Pope laments global instability
(20 minutes later)
Pope Benedict XVI has called for peace in the Middle East and stability in Africa in his Christmas Day message.Pope Benedict XVI has called for peace in the Middle East and stability in Africa in his Christmas Day message.
Speaking from St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope said the people of Zimbabwe were "trapped... in a political and social crisis". Speaking from St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope lamented the plight of Zimbabweans, "trapped... in a political and social crisis".
He also decried instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan and Somalia.He also decried instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan and Somalia.
Earlier, in his Midnight Mass, the pontiff called for an end to "hatred and violence" in the Middle East. The Pope called for solidarity in the face of an ever more uncertain future, in an address broadcast live on TV.
Addressing a huge congregation, he appealed for a new understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. "If people look only to their own interests, our world will certainly fall apart," he told tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in St Peter's Square.
At the end of his Urbi et Orbi (Latin for "To the City and the World") speech, the Pope issued Christmas greetings in 64 languages.
Earlier, in his Midnight Mass, the head of the Roman Catholic Church called for an end to "hatred and violence" in the Middle East.
The Pope plans to visit Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories next year.
Most of the world's 2.1 billion Christians mark Christmas this week.Most of the world's 2.1 billion Christians mark Christmas this week.
Others, chiefly from among the 200 million Orthodox Christians who use the Julian Calendar for their feast days, celebrate the Nativity on 7 January.Others, chiefly from among the 200 million Orthodox Christians who use the Julian Calendar for their feast days, celebrate the Nativity on 7 January.
At the end of his Urbi et Orbi (Latin for "To the City and the World") speech, the Pope is expected to issue Christmas greetings in 64 languages.