Pope Hopes for 'Common Good' from Arab Spring, End to Syria Violence
In his traditional Christmas message on Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to the bloodshed in Syria and said he hoped this year's Arab revolts would aid the "common good."
"Let us turn our gaze anew to the grotto of Bethlehem. The Child whom we contemplate is our salvation! He has brought to the world a universal message of reconciliation and peace," he told thousands of pilgrims in the Vatican.
The pope's strongest words were against wars and in favor of reconciliation, particularly between Israelis and Palestinians in the Holy Land.
"May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood ... May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed," he said.
"May he grant renewed vigor to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and the Middle East as they strive to advance the common good," he added, following the revolts in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.
Concluding his message, the pope voiced Christmas greetings in 65 languages including Aramaic, Icelandic and Samoan to cheers from the crowd.
He also rebuked "oppressors" and warmongers around the world.
"In this time of ours, in this world of ours, cause the oppressors’ rods, the cloaks rolled in blood and the footgear of battle to be burned, so that your peace may triumph in this world of ours," he said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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