Pope Benedict XVI has spoken of his desire for peace to come to parts of the world affected by conflict.

Speaking to a crowded St Peter’s Square in his Christmas address today, the Pope prayed first for peace to come to the Middle East and for consolation to come to Christians living in the volatile region.

“May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence,” he said.

“May the comforting message of the coming of Emmanuel ease the pain and bring consolation amid their trials to the beloved Christian communities in Iraq and throughout the Middle East; may it bring them comfort and hope for the future and bring the leaders of nations to show them effective solidarity.”

The Pope went on to pray for Haitians still affected by the January 12 earthquake and cholera epidemic, as well as Columbians and Venezuelans hit by recent natural disasters.

He expressed his concern for Christian communities around the world facing discrimination and persecution.

He said he hoped the birth of Jesus would “strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage” among Christians in China especially, and that they would “not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom and conscience” but instead “persevere” and “keep alive the flame of hope”.

He said: “May the love of ‘God-with-us grant perseverance to all those Christian communities enduring discrimination and persecution, and inspire political and religious leaders to be committed to full respect for the religious freedom of all.”