Rome:
Pope Benedict XVI called Saturday for political leaders to express solidarity with Christians in Iraq and to work for peace in the Middle East and other war-torn regions in his annual Christmas greeting.
"May the comforting message of the coming of Emmanuel ease the pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East," the pope said in his "Urbi et Orbi" message to the city and the world. "May it bring them comfort and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them effective solidarity," he added.
The plight of Christians in the Middle East has been a particular concern to the Vatican since the start of the war in Iraq in 2003, and it was the theme of a meeting of bishops in October.
Benedict, who was seated on a golden throne in the central window of St. Peter's Basilica, also singled out Catholics in China, "that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience" and that they "may keep alive the flame of hope."
In recent weeks, tensions have been rising between the Vatican and China after several bishops there were ordained without the approval of the pope, an action that the Vatican condemned in harsh language, calling it a violation of freedom of religion.
The pope also called on Israelis and Palestinians "to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence" and offered "comfort and hope" to people in Haiti, after its devastating earthquake and cholera epidemic, as well as to people in Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala and Costa Rica, who have also endured natural disasters.
Speaking before thousands of people who gathered under a light rainfall in St. Peter's Square, he also called for "lasting peace and authentic progress" for the peoples of Somalia, the Darfur region of Sudan and Ivory Coast.
"May it promote political and social stability in Madagascar; may it bring security and respect for human rights in Afghanistan and in Pakistan," Benedict said. "May it encourage dialogue between Nicaragua and Costa Rica; and may it advance reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula."
The pope offered Christmas greetings in more than 60 languages, including Esperanto, Mongolian, Aramaic and Swahili, but he received the largest round of applause with his hearty "Feliz Navidad," Merry Christmas in Spanish.