Pope calls for trust on Korean peninsula in annual address to diplomats

Pope Francis poses for a “family photo” with diplomats accredited to the Holy See inside the Sistine Chapel, at the end of an audience for the traditional exchange of New Year greetings at the Vatican.

In a speech to ambassadors from some 185 nations, the Pope urged international efforts to rebuild trust on the Korean peninsula and in Syria, using his annual foreign policy address to press his demand that political leaders put the dignity of their people before war, profits or power.

In a wide-ranging talk, the Pope reaffirmed the need to respect the status quo of Jerusalem and refrain from any initiative that exacerbates hostilities. He also denounced the use of child labour to fuel today’s global economy,