Pope calls end to bloodshed in traditional Christmas message

VATICAN CITY: Pope Benedict XVI on Tuesday urged for an "end to the bloodshed" in Syria and denounced the "savage" violence in Africa.

Speaking in his traditional Christmas message, the pope touched on several other of the world's conflict zones.

A capacity crowd of 40,000 pilgrims filled the vast St Peter's Square to hear the 85-year-old pope, resplendent in red vestments, deliver the "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World) message.