Pope Francis prays for world peace at midnight Mass


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."
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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.
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