Pope condemns Syrian slaughter

Pope Benedict XVI has wished Christmas peace to the world, decrying the slaughter of the “defenceless” in Syria and urging Israelis and Palestinians to find the courage to negotiate.

Delivering the Vatican’s traditional Christmas day message from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, a weary-looking and hoarse-sounding Benedict also encouraged Arab spring nations, especially Egypt, to build just and respectful societies.