Pope's Christmas Day blessing includes appeal for peace, denounces weapons industry

Pope Francis devoted his Christmas Day blessing to a call for peace in the world, noting that the biblical story of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem sent a message of peace. But he said Bethlehem "is a place of sorrow and silence" this year.

Pope's Christmas Day blessing includes appeal for peace, denounces weapons industry
A man in white robes waves from a balcony. Another man stands next to him, smiling.

Pope Francis devoted his Christmas Day blessing to a call for peace in the world, noting that the biblical story of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem sent a message of peace. But he said Bethlehem "is a place of sorrow and silence" this year.