Pope Francis in his first Christmas Eve
Mass in St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican, on Wednesday, prayed for
Nigeria and other countries contending with terrorists attacks.
In his Christmas message, the Pope specifically asked God to defend Nigerias innocent and defenceless people.
He said the countries had been torn
apart by a spiral of violence and poverty, where so many people had
become homeless, lacking water, food and the necessities of life.
He said, Prince of Peace, in every place
turn hearts aside from violence and inspire them to lay down arms and
undertake the path of dialogue. Look upon Nigeria, rent by constant
attacks which do not spare the innocent and defenceless.
Child of Bethlehem, touch the hearts of
all those engaged in human trafficking, that they may realise the
gravity of this crime against humanity. Look upon the many children who
are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who
are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers.
Lord of heaven and earth, look upon our
planet, frequently exploited by human greed and rapacity. Help and
protect all the victims of natural disasters, especially the beloved
people of the Philippines, gravely affected by the recent typhoon.
The Pope also urged God to prevent tragedies from occurring in 2014, adding that peace comes from daily commitment………
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