Pope Benedict XVI made a plea for reconciliation on the Korean peninsula in his Christmas message.

In his traditional Christmas Day address delivered at the Vatican, the Pope also urged “lasting peace" in parts of Africa, including Somalia, which have been rocked by conflict and unrest. He also called for human rights to be respected in Afghanistan and Pakistan as well.

Then, the Pope criticized Chinese government for imposing limitations on its citizen’s freedom of religion, highlighting a spike in tensions between the Vatican and Beijing. For the Church in mainland China, he prayed for a stronger spirit of faith, patience and courage.

In addition, the Pope called on Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence.