Pope Francis prays for world peace at midnight Mass

Pope Francis prays for world peace at midnight Mass
(Image credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images)

Pope Francis called for more humanity on Earth during his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas address, which he delivered from the central balcony at St. Peter's Basilica during midnight Mass at the Vatican. His address focused on those suffering around the world — particularly those in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine — and also drew attention to the plight of children. Francis also made a call to Christian Iraqi refugees who were forced by ISIS militants to flee their homes. "You're like Jesus on this night," he said. "I bless you and am close to you."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More
Samantha Rollins

Samantha Rollins is TheWeek.com's news editor. She has previously worked for The New York Times and TIME and is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.