Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday called for an "end to the bloodshed" in Syria in his traditional Christmas message

Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday called for an "end to the bloodshed" in Syria in his traditional Christmas message, AFP reported.

"There is hope in the world ... even at the most difficult times and in the most difficult situations," he said, praying that "peace spring up for the people of Syria, deeply wounded and divided by a conflict which does not spare even the defenseless and reaps innocent victims."

AFP mentioned that Pope called "for an end to the bloodshed, easier access for the relief of refugees and the displaced, and dialogue in the pursuit of a political solution to the conflict."

Delivering the Vatican's traditional Christmas Day message from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Benedict also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.
He also urged “Israelis” and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.