(VOVworld) - Pope Francis delivered his Christmas Day message on Sunday, calling for peace in areas afflicted by war and violence, and offering his sympathy for the victims of deadly terror attacks.

Pope Francis (C) calls for peace in his Christmas message. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Speaking from St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican in front of 40,000 people, the 80-year-old Pope called for an end to the fighting in Syria, saying too much blood has been spilled in the conflict, which is now in its 6^th year. He said the international community must find a negotiated solution to the war. He expressed his hope for peace for all people affected by terrorism and violence, particularly in Iraq, Libya and Yemen, and called for an end to the conflicts in African countries like Nigeria and South Sudan.