Pope Benedict 16th has used his traditional Christmas day message in Rome to call for world peace.

The 81 year-old pontiff said he hoped Christmas would bring hope to those suffering from war, injustice and poverty across the globe. Addressing thousands in St Peter’s square, he called for an end to world instability. In his message, the pope called for peace in Lebanon, Iraq and the whole of the Middle East ahead of a planned trip to the region next year. The head of the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics also said if people look to their own interests the world will certainly fall apart. Calling for dialogue and negotiation he also cited violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Darfur. As well as wishing the world a Merry Christmas in sixty four languages, the Pope also gave his traditional benediction at the end of his address.More about: Christmas, Vatican

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