Pope wishes Christmas peace for those scarred by war, terror

In Nigeria, the pope lamented, “fundamentalist terrorism exploits even children,” a reference to child suicide bombers. He expressed hope that dialogue would prevail over “the mindset of conflict” in both South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The heavy security at the Vatican reflected apprehension in much of Europe, which is reeling from extremist attacks. Last week, 12 people died in Berlin when a Tunisian man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group plowed a truck through a crowd at a Christmas market. He was killed a few days later in a shootout near Milan.

“Peace to all those who have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one due to the brutal acts of terrorism that have sown fear and death in the heart of many countries and cities,” the pope said.

Referring to the meaning of Jesus’ birth, Francis said: “Today this message goes out to the ends of the Earth to reach all peoples, especially those scarred by war and harsh conflicts that seem stronger than the yearning for peace.”

His Christmas message also recalled Colombia, which has seen his personal intervention try to end Latin America’s longest running conflict, and Venezuela, where a papal envoy has tried to facilitate talks between the government and the opposition as Venezuelans endure widespread food and medicine shortages.

Francis expressed concern over tensions on the Korean peninsula, and over Myanmar, which he said should “consolidate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence.”

During Christmas Eve Mass in the basilica, Francis said Jesus’ birth, in a humble stable, calls to mind how some children today must hide in underground bomb shelters, live on the street, lie on the bottom of overcrowded smugglers’ boats, are given weapons instead of toys or aren’t allowed to be born at all.

Throughout his papacy, Francis has denounced the Islamic extremist violence that has driven Christians from Mideast communities that date to Christianity’s foundations. He has also demanded that Europe in particular do more to welcome refugees.

Reflecting the pope’s concern for migrants, refugees and others on society’s margins, Bologna’s archbishop celebrated a Christmas Eve Mass for the homeless in a waiting room of that Italian city’s main train station.

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Follow Frances D’Emilio on twitter at www.twitter.com/fdemilio.

Frances D’Emilio, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Pope wishes Christmas peace for those scarred by war, terror

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