Pope Francis Christmas Message 2015: Pontiff Calls for Peace Against Terrorism in Christmas Speech

By Michael Oleaga First Posted: Dec 25, 2015 10:20 AM EST

To commemorate Christmas Day, Argentine-born Pope Francis shared his "Feliz Navidad" message.

"Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation!" wrote Francis.

According to Francis, Dec. 25 is a date when people should open their hearts and receive grace, which represents Jesus Christ. It's also a day of mercy, according to the pontiff, in which God "revealed his great tenderness to the entire world."

Francis emphasized that God's mercy "can free humanity" from the various forms of evil, which may often take the disguise of "monstrous evil." In addition to mercy, Francis noted the need to have hope and peace, which would cease room for hatred and war.

Francis would then directly knowledge international conflicts, first, the region affecting three religions: Christianity, Islam and Judiasm. He wrote, "Yet precisely where the incarnate Son of God came into the world, tensions and violence persist, and peace remains a gift to be implored and built. May Israelis and Palestinians resume direct dialogue and reach an agreement which will enable the two peoples to live together in harmony, ending a conflict which has long set them at odds, with grave repercussions for the entire region."

Months after addressing the United Nations, Francis said he hopes the U.N. will succeed in its mission to eradicate the arms race in Syria and solve the "extremely grave humanitarian situation" affecting the Syrian people. His focus continued in the Middle East, calling for the international community to address and end the atrocities in Iraq, Libya, Yemen and sub-Saharan Africa.

"My thoughts also turn to those affected by brutal acts of terrorism, particularly the recent massacres which took place in Egyptian airspace, in Beirut, Paris, Bamako and Tunis," said Francis, who also acknowledged the deaths of those based on their faith. "To our brothers and sisters who in many parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith, may the Child Jesus grant consolation and strength. They are our martyrs of today."

The pontiff's message journeys across Africa, calling for peace in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan, followed by Europe, namely Ukraine.

For Latin America, Francis wants Colombians to have joy following the commitment efforts to peace by FARC rebels and the government.

Francis is scheduled to return to Latin America in February 2016, with a trip to Mexico, where 80 percent of its population is Catholic. The last pope to visit Mexico was Benedict XVI in March 2012.