Leaders send out messages of peace, hope

Pope Francis

The pope offered a Christmas message of hope Wednesday regarding conflicts and relationships in parts of the world from the Middle East to the Americas to Africa.

The pope told tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the annual Christmas Day message that “the light of Christ is greater” than the darkness “in human hearts” and “in economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts.”

The “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and to the world”) Christmas message has become an occasion for popes to address suffering in the world and press for solutions.

The pope cited the Syrian people, “who still see no end to the hostilities that have rent their country over the last decade,” as well as Israel, where Jesus “was born as the savior of mankind and where so many people ... still await a time of peace, security and prosperity.”

Francis also called for an easing of the crisis in Lebanon, social tensions in Iraq and “a grave humanitarian crisis” in Yemen.

President Donald Trump

The president and first lady Melania Trump, who celebrated with family in Florida, sent out a Christmas message of peace Wednesday.

“The president and I want to wish each and every American a very merry Christmas,” the first lady said in a video message recorded at the White House. “We say a special prayer for those military service members stationed far from home, and we renew our hope for peace among nations and joy to the world,” Trump said.

The first family is spending the holiday at the president’s private club in Palm Beach, attending a music-filled Christmas Eve service at a Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated church before celebrating with dinner in his private club.