Pope Francis has called on unity from those the world over as he urged people to put aside “partisan interests” this Christmas.
As he addressed tens of thousands of tourists, pilgrims and Romans in St Peter's Square, Francis said the universal message of Christmas was that "God is a good Father and we are all brothers and sisters".
He called for unions to come together to find political solutions to wars in Syria and Yemen as well as conflicts in Ukraine and on the Korean peninsula.
The Pope said "even our best plans and projects risk being soulless and empty" without fraternity.
He added: "Our differences, then, are not a detriment or a danger; they are a source of richness".
Pope Francis urged the international community to "work decisively for a political solution that can put aside divisions and partisan interests, so that the Syrian people, especially all those who were forced to leave their own lands and seek refuge elsewhere, can return to live in peace in their own country".
He expressed his hope that an internationally-brokered truce for Yemen would bring relief to that country's people, especially children "exhausted by war and famine".
Another of his wishes was one for dialogue among Israelis and Palestinians so they can "undertake a journey of peace that can put an end to a conflict that for over 70 years has rent the land chosen by the Lord to show his face of love".
He cited conflicts and vulnerable populations in much of Africa, in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Ukraine.
With this, he expressed hope that the "bonds of fraternity uniting the Korean peninsula" would be consolidated.
On Monday, Francis celebrated Christmas Eve Mass for the faithful in St Peter's Basilica.
During an address there he lamented people finding their life's meaning in possessions.
"Standing before the manger, we understand that the food of life is not material riches but love, not gluttony but charity, not ostentation but simplicity," Pope Francis said, dressed in simple white vestments.
