The pope’s central theme this year was the need to strive for harmony and fairness – amid the wars, terrorism and hardship blighting the lives of many people around the world.

There were special words for the families of victims of terror attacks.

Christ is born for us, let us rejoice in the day of our salvation!

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) 25 dicembre 2016

“Peace to those who have lost a person dear to them as a result of the brutal acts of terrorism, which have sown fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities,” he said, addressing the crowd of some 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.

Francis called on the Palestinians and Israelis to put aside hate and appealed for humanitarian aid for Syria.

He also urged people to remember refugees and migrants and all those hit by economic instability caused by “idolatry of money.” (Euronews)