Pope stresses strength, courage, hope in new year

Pope Francis yesterday urged people to accept each other’s differences and for enemies to recognise that they are brothers — a New Year’s Day service dedicated to world peace.

“We are all children of one heavenly father, we belong to the same human family and we share a common destiny,” Francis said, speaking from his studio window overlooking St Peter’s Square, jammed with tens of thousands of faithful, tourists, and Romans.

“This brings a responsibility for each to work so that the world becomes a community of brothers who respect each other, accept each other in one’s diversity, and takes care of one another.”