MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Pope asks Christ to deliver mankind from war and terrorism.

Pope John Paul II asked Christ to deliver mankind from the armed conflicts that are tearing apart entire regions of the world and the plague of terrorism.

Although achieving peace is difficult, it is possible and there is a duty to work toward that end, especially in the Middle East, John Paul II said.

"Save us from the great evils which rend humanity in these first years of the third millennium. Save us from the wars and armed conflicts which lay waste whole areas of the world, from the scourge of terrorism and from the many forms of violence which assail the weak and the vulnerable," the pope said in his traditional Christmas message.

"Save us from discouragement as we face the paths to peace, difficult paths indeed, yet possible and therefore necessary; paths which are always and everywhere urgent, especially in the Land where You were born, the Prince of Peace." John Paul II delivered his Urbi et Orbi Message - Latin for "To the City and to the World" - from St. Peter's Basilica amid tight security and within sight of thousands of the faithful who gathered to hear the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.

"The Saviour of the world has come down from heaven. Let us rejoice! This proclamation, filled with deep rejoicing, echoed in the night of Bethlehem. Today the Church renews it with unchanged joy: the Saviour is born for us! A wave of tenderness and hope fills our hearts, together with an overpowering need for closeness and peace," John Paul II said.

The 83-year-old John Paul II, appearing tired and pausing numerous times, gave his Christmas greeting in 62 languages.

The pope's Christmas message was carried live by 82 television stations from 50 countries, including outlets from Spain and across Latin America.