Pope Francis has written a letter to show his solidarity with Christians in the Middle East a day before Christmas. (File photo: AFP)
Pope Francis writes Christmas letter to Middle East Christians
The Holy Father said that cannot remain silent in the face of persecution and conflict affecting other religious and ethnic groups
Pope Francis has written a letter to show his solidarity with Christians in the Middle East a day before Christmas, the Italian daily news website The Vatican Today reported Tuesday.
In his letter, the pope said he is closely following the daily advances of the conflicts in the region and the “enormous suffering endured by many people in the Middle East.”
He also said that cannot remain silent in the face of persecution and conflict affecting other religious and ethnic groups.
The pope added that he was most concerned about the children, mothers, elderly, homeless and refugees.
The pope condemned trafficking in weapons and demanded that Muslim religious leaders clearly condemn attacks against religious minorities and using religion to justify them.
He said: "May the trials which you are presently enduring strengthen the faith and the fidelity of each and all of you!"
Christians are expected to gather in Bethlehem later on Wednesday to celebrate Christmas, Agence France-Presse reported.
