Pope Francis Seeks To Uplift Spirit Of Suffering Christians In Middle East: 'God Has Come To Save Us!'

In one of his Christmas Day messages, Pope Francis sought to uplift the spirit of Christians in the Middle East who are enduring the ravages of war, saying the birth of Jesus gives them the "ultimate consolation – God has come in the flesh to save us!"

In his Dec. 23 message, the Pope grieved over the thousands of Christians killed, injured and displaced in the raging conflict in Iraq and Syria.

Speaking to them directly, the Pope said: "I write to you just before Christmas, knowing that for many of you the music of your Christmas hymns will also be accompanied by tears and sighs. Nonetheless, the birth of the Son of God in our human flesh is an indescribable mystery of consolation: 'For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all people.'"

In his message, the Holy Father also stressed the need for Christian unity to encompass Eastern Catholic Churches and Orthodox Churches, as well as continued dialogue with Jews and Muslims in the region.

"The more difficult the situation, the more inter-religious dialogue becomes necessary. There is no other way," the Pope said. "Dialogue, grounded in an attitude of openness, in truth and love, is also the best antidote to the temptation to religious fundamentalism, which is a threat for followers of every religion."

The Pontiff urged world leaders to promote peace "through negotiation and diplomacy, for the sake of stemming and stopping as soon as possible the violence which has already caused so much harm."

Pope Francis zeroed in on the arms race going on in the region.

"I once more condemn in the strongest possible terms the traffic of arms. Instead, what are needed are plans and initiatives for peace, so as to further a global solution to the region's problems," he said.

"How much longer must the Middle East suffer from the lack of peace? We must not resign ourselves to conflicts as if change were not possible!" he called out.

Earlier, on the Sunday before Christmas, Pope Francis reminded the faithful of the true meaning and message of Christmas.

He said Christmas is a time when Jesus returns again, 'to knock once more on the heart of every Christian: He comes and knocks."

He said God is the One tugging at people's hearts "when we feel: 'I want to be good, to be better ... I feel sorry for what I've done ...' This is Christ who is knocking," he said to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square on Sunday.

"How many times Jesus comes by in our lives, and how many times he sends us an angel and how many times we don't realize it because we are too occupied, too wrapped up in our thoughts, our affairs and even -- in this period, in getting ready for Christmas -- and we do not realize that it is him who comes by and knocks on the door of our heart, asking to be welcomed inside," the Pope said.

"Each one of us is called to answer ... with a personal and sincere 'yes,' putting oneself fully at God's disposal, mercy and love," he said.

The Holy Father said Christmas is that time of the year when people should not miss opening their heart to God. "Go pray and perhaps go to confession to clean up a bit, this is good for you," he said.

"The precious gift of Christmas is peace, and Christ is our true peace. And Christ knocks on our hearts to give us peace, peace in our souls. Let us open the doors to Christ."