Pope prays for end to violence in Nigeria, other countries

Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday prayed for an end to violence in Nigeria.
The Pope, who lamented what he termed “savage acts of terrorism” that frequently target churches in Nigeria, prayed for unity among Nigerians, particularly Christians.
In his traditional Christmas message, the head of the Catholic community worldwide prayed for “concord in Nigeria, where savage acts of terrorism continue to reap victims, particularly among Christians.”
The Pope also called for an “end to the bloodshed” in Syria.
He equally called for “a political solution” to the crisis in Syria, adding: “There is hope in the world … even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations.
“Peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenceless and reaps innocent victims.”
The message, heard by about 40,000 pilgrims in St Peter’s Square, also had the Pope praying for “Israelis and Palestinians (to be granted the) courage to end long years of conflict and division, and to embark resolutely on the path of negotiation.”
The Pope equally prayed for solution to the conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Mali, and China among others.