Pope Francis Urges Peace in the Middle East in Christmas Message

(VATICAN CITY) — Pope Francis on Sunday wished Christmas peace for people scarred by wars and for those who have lost loved ones to terrorism that he said is sowing "fear and death into the hearts of so many countries and cities."

An estimated 40,000 tourists and Romans calmly endured long lines for security checks to enter St. Peter's Square. There they got a glimpse of the pope on the central balcony of St.