Pope Benedict XVI has called for an end to bloodshed in Syria and renewed dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians in his Christmas Day address from St Peter's in Rome, as well as asking God's help for a long list of countries hit by natural disasters and instability in 2011.
"May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood," said Benedict in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" speech, Latin for "to the city and the world", delivered from the main loggia of St Peter's to crowds in a sunlit St Peter's Square.
"May the prince of peace grant peace and stability to that land where he chose to come into the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians," said the 84-year-old pontiff.
"May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigour to all elements of society in the countries of north Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good."
From: www.guardian.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment