Pope speech condemns terrorism
Thousands braved the cold to watch the Pope read his Christmas message
Pope John Paul II has condemned the "scourge of terrorism" in his Christmas message to crowds of worshippers in St Peter's Square in Rome.
"Save us from the great evils which rend humanity in these first years of the third millennium," he said.
"Save us from the wars and armed conflicts which lay waste to whole areas of the world."
The pontiff's speech took place amid extra security measures after warnings of possible terror attacks.
Calls for peace
The Pope, at times faltering in his address, called for an end to "the many forms of violence which assail the weak and the vulnerable".
He also exhorted all sides in the Middle East conflict to continue pressing for a solution to the violence.
"Save us from the discouragement as we face the paths to peace, difficult paths indeed, yet possible and therefore necessary," he said.
"Paths which are always and everywhere urgent, especially in the land where you were born, the prince of peace."
From BBC
