Pope reaches out to families of terror victims in Christmas

Vatican City: Pope Francis offered his thoughts to victims of terrorism Sunday in his annual Christmas address, days after the truck attack that left 12 dead at a festive Berlin market.

"Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of brutal acts of terrorism, and to those who have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities," the pope told crowds at the Vatican in his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and The World) message.

Pope Francis urged an end to the fighting in Syria as he gave his Christmas address at the Vatican on Sunday, saying "far too much blood has been spilled" in the conflict.

"It is time for weapons to be still forever, and the international community to actively seek a negotiated solution," the pontiff told crowds gathered for his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and The World) message.