World: Pope urges solution to conflicts everywhere: "
Pope urges solution to conflicts everywhere
By MARIA SANMINIATELLI

Pope Benedict XVI raises a candle after lighting it at his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, during the inauguration of the Nativity scene, Sunday Dec. 24. (AP/Andrew Medichini)
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Benedict on Monday urged a solution to conflicts across the world, especially in the Middle East and Africa, in a Christmas Day address that included an appeal for the poor, the exploited, and all those who suffer.
'With deep apprehension I think, on this festive day, of the Middle East, marked by so many grave crises and conflicts, and I express my hope that the way will be opened to a just and lasting peace,' Benedict said in his traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' speech - Latin for 'to the city and to the world.'
'I place in the hands of the divine Child of Bethlehem the indications of a resumption of dialogue between the Israelis and the Palestinians, which we have witnessed in recent days, and the hope of further encouraging developments,' the pontiff added, speaking from a balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square.
The Pope also mentioned violence in Lebanon, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Darfur and the whole of Africa, as Ethiopian fighter jets bombed airports in Somalia and more people died in suicide bombings in Iraq.
Under his predecessor, Pope John Paul, the Christmas Day message became an occasion to review progress and setbacks for humanity.
Benedict also noted that despite its modern-day successes, the world remains in desperate need of a saviour.
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