Pope Francis Condemns Religious Violence In Christmas Address

Pope Francis has denounced the “brutal persecution” of religious and ethnic minorities, in his traditional Christmas Day address.

In his second  Christmas message, the pontiff highlighted the plight of victims of conflict in Syria and Iraq.

Pope Francis also urged dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and condemned Taliban attacks in Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of people turned out on St Peter’s Square to hear the Argentine Pope deliver his annual message.

He said Christians in Iraq and Syria had endured conflict for too long, and “together with those belonging to other ethnic and religious groups, are suffering a brutal persecution”.