Pope's Christmas message of hope for a world shaken by wars and terrorism

In his traditional address on the great Christian holiday of Christmas, Pope Francis sent a message of hope for peace in a world undermined by wars and terrorism, calling for everyone to remember migrants, refugees, and all those affected by economic instability, which he called "money idolatry," Reuters reports, via Patria.

Francis also called on Israelis and Palestinians, who are currently facing renewed tensions caused by a new UN resolution opposing Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory, to bravely set aside hatred and revenge, and to "write a new page of history."

The Pope's traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message addressed wars, violence, and suffering during a time that should be defined by the peace and harmony symbolized by Jesus Christ.

- Peace to all who have lost loved ones due to brutal terrorism that has sown fear and death in the hearts of many countries and cities, said Pope Francis in his address to more than 40,000 people in St. Peter's Square.

The Italian government had tightened security measures throughout the country and the Vatican during the holiday weekend, after police shot dead a man believed to be responsible for the recent truck attack in Berlin.

The Pope called for peace in Syria, demanding urgent aid for the suffering population of Aleppo.

- It is time for weapons to fall silent forever in Syria, for the international community to actively seek a negotiated solution to restore coexistence in the country, Pope Francis urged.

The first Latin American Pope emphasized that Christmas should serve as an inspiration for everyone to help those in need.

- Peace to all who suffer because of the economic ambitions of a few, because of pure greed and money idolatry, which lead to slavery, the Pope stressed.

He also called for an end to "fundamentalist terrorism" in Nigeria, alluding to Boko Haram, which has killed 15,000 people and displaced more than 2 million during its seven-year campaign to create a so-called Islamic state.