Pope Addresses Exploitation, Violence, and Ebola in Christmas Speech

(ROME) — In his annual Christmas message, Pope Francis urged the world to do more to dialogue for peace and help those afflicted by violence, exploitation, homelessness, and disease.

From his balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square Thursday morning, Pope Francis called for more humanitarian help for victims of the conflicts in Iraq and Syria. He also expressed hope for more dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians and an easing of the tension in Ukraine.

Francis also listed numerous African countries afflicted by bloodshed and by the Ebola virus, expressing hope for more help for them.

Just as he did Wednesday night, after he laid down a life-sized doll of baby Jesus in the large Nativity scene at St. Peter's Square, the pope spoke out against the suffering of child victims of violence, human trafficking, and those forced to become soldiers.