Pope speaks of migrants in Christmas message

Lamenting “the winds of war” blowing around the world, Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message has called for a two-state solution to find peace in the Middle East and prayed that confrontation can be overcome on the Korean Peninsula.

The Pope took particular aim at areas of global tension where President Donald Trump is playing a critical role. Trump’s decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s capital has ignited fresh violence in the Middle East, while confrontation with North Korea over its nuclear tests has escalated tensions.

“The winds of war are blowing in our world and an outdated model of development continues to produce human, societal and environmental decline,” the Pope said in his traditional Christmas message from the balcony overlooking St Peter’s Square.

Francis urged that “our hearts not be closed” as the inns of Bethlehem were to Mary and Joseph before Jesus’ birth.