Italy: Pope Francis Asks For Prayers To War-Torn Syrians

M/S Pope Francis praying

W/S Attendees

C/U Hand holding crucifix

SOT, Pope Francis (Italian): "War breaks and hurts so many lives. It broke
too many recently in Syria, stroking hate and revenge. Let's keep on
praying the Lord so that he spares the Syrians more suffering and put
violence to an end and guarantee the access to humanitarian help."

W/S Saint Peter's square

W/S Saint Peter's square

SCRIPT

Italy: Pope Francis asks for prayers to war-torn Syrians

Pope Francis addressed thousands of followers at Saint Peter's square in
Vatican City on Christmas day to deliver the second "Urbi et Orbi" message
of his pontificate.

The 77-year-old reminded the crowd many conflicts occurred during 2013,
including the Syrian conflict. He says: "War breaks and hurts so many
lives. It broke too many recently in Syria, stroking hate and revenge."

This was the first Christmas as Pope for Francis, who became the first
non-European pontiff in more than 1000 years in March 2013.