Pope prays for peace in conflict-affected African countries

Pope Francis has called for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan, asking God to bring consolation and strength to Christians who are being persecuted in these countries.

“We also pray for peace and concord among the peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan, that dialogue may lead to a strengthened common commitment to the building of civil societies animated by a sincere spirit of reconciliation and of mutual understanding,” he said.

Reading his traditional Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) to thousand of catholic faithfuls from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, the pope called for an end to civil wars in Syria and Libya.

“We pray to the Lord that the agreement reached in the United Nations may succeed in halting as quickly as possible the clash of arms in Syria and in remedying the extremely grave humanitarian situation of its suffering people,” he said.

Pope Francis called for peace between Israelis and Palestinians in the area where Jesus was born.

Security was tight at the Vatican as Francis addressed tens of thousands of people who had to have their bags checked as they entered the Vatican area. They had to go through airport-style screening if they wanted to enter St. Peter’s Square.