DHAKA: Pope Francis is set to make his first Christmas address as pontiff in front of thousands of pilgrims in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican.

The Argentine pope is expected to tackle themes such as global poverty, which he has focused on since taking over from Benedict in March this year.

Last year Benedict used his Christmas address to call for peace in Syria.

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem.

On Tuesday evening thousands gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations.

The nearby Church of the Nativity sits on the spot where Jesus is said to have been born, reports the BBC.

BDST: 1446 HRS, DEC 24, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor