Pope decries slaughter of `defenseless` Syrians

Zeenews Bureau

Vatican City: While wishing peace to everyone, Pope Benedict XVI in his Christmas message on Tuesday condemned the killing of the "defenseless" in Syria and called on the Israelis and Palestinians to be courageous and negotiate. Benedict also called on Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to strive for just and respectful societies. He was delivering the Vatican`s traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St Peter`s Basilica. The Pope prayed that China`s new leaders respect religion, a reference to persecution Chinese Roman Catholics have at times endured under communism. As the 85-year-old pontiff, bundled up in an ermine-trimmed red cape, gingerly stepped foot on the balcony, the pilgrims, tourists and Romans below backing St Peter`s Square erupted in cheers. Less than 12 hours earlier, Benedict had led a two-hour long Christmas Eve ceremony in the basilica. He sounded hoarse and looked weary as he read his Christmas message and then holiday greetings in 65 languages, news agency AP reported. In his "Urbi et Orbi" speech, which traditionally reviews world events and global challenges, Benedict prayed that "peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict that does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims." He called for easier access to help refugees and for "dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict." Benedict prayed that God "grant Israelis and Palestinians courage to end long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path to negotiation." Israel, backed by the United States, opposed the Palestinian statehood bid, saying it was a ploy to bypass negotiations, something the Palestinians deny. Talks stalled four years ago. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat said that in a meeting with the Pope last week, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas "emphasized our total readiness to resume negotiations." The Palestinians have not dropped their demand that Israel first stop settlement activities before returning to the negotiating table. Hours earlier, in the ancient Bethlehem church built over the site where tradition holds Jesus was born, candles illuminated the sacred site and the joyous sound of prayer filled its overflowing halls. Overcast skies and a cold wind in the Holy Land didn`t dampen the spirits of worshippers in the biblical West Bank town. Bells pealed and long lines formed inside the fourth-century Church of the Nativity complex as Christian faithful waited to see the grotto that is Jesus` traditional birthplace. (With Agency inputs)