DHAKA: Pope Francis on Wednesday called for humanitarian aid access in Syria and ‘social harmony’ in South Sudan on his first Christmas in the Vatican after months of shaking up the papacy with his humble style and common touch.

Pope Francis also pleaded for divine aid to rescue child soldiers ‘robbed of their childhood’ and for peace in the conflict-torn Central African Republic which he said was ‘often forgotten and overlooked’.

In a wide-ranging address known as the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ (To The City And To The World) blessing that touched on many conflicts, the Argentine pope invited non-believers to join in a ‘desire’ for peace in the world.

‘Too many lives have been shattered in recent times by the conflict in Syria, fueling hatred and vengeance,’ the 77-year-old Pope told a crowd of tens of thousands of faithful in St Peter’s Square, reports The Straits Times.

BDST: 1843 HRS, DEC 24, 2013
Edited by Robab Rosan, Current Affairs Editor