The Pope talked politics in his Christmas Day message, using it to call for peace for Jerusalem.
It comes amid global condemnation of US President Donald Trump's decision the US would recognise the holy city as the capital of Israel.
Pope Francis used the occasion to call for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"On this festive day, let us ask the Lord for peace for Jerusalem and for all the Holy Land," the pontiff said.
"Let us pray that the will to resume dialogue may prevail between the parties and that a negotiated solution can finally be reached, one that would allow the peaceful coexistence of two states within mutually agreed and internationally recognised borders.
"May the Lord also sustain the efforts of all those in the international community inspired by goodwill to help that afflicted land to find, despite grave obstacles, the harmony, justice and security that it has long awaited."
Newshub.
