Pope condemns religious violence in Christmas address

In his second "Urbi et Orbi" - to the city and the world - Christmas message, the pontiff highlighted the plight of victims of conflict in Syria and Iraq, BBC news informs.

"Too many people are being held hostage or massacred" in Nigeria, he added.

Pope Francis also urged dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and condemned Taliban attacks in Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of people turned out on St Peter's Square to hear the Argentine Pope deliver his annual message.

In his Christmas Day address, pope Francis also asked for peace in Ukraine, Nigeria, in Libya, South Sudan and other parts of Africa.