(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Photo/_new/121225-pope-christmas-630a.photoblog600.jpg)Franco Origlia / Getty ImagesPope Benedict XVI delivers his Christmas Day message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas day in Vatican City.By ReutersVATICAN CITY -- Pope Benedict used his Christmas message to the world on Tuesday to say people should never lose hope for peace, even in conflict-riven Syria and in Nigeria where he spoke of "terrorism" against Christians.
Marking the eighth Christmas season of his pontificate, the 85-year-old read his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message to tens of thousands of people in St Peter's Square and to millions of others watching around the world.Slideshow: Christmas around the world (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/50292031/displaymode/1247/?wbSlideShowId=50292031&wbSection=news)(http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-121224-christmas/ss-121224-christmas-tease.photoblog600.jpg) (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/50292031/displaymode/1247/?wbSlideShowId=50292031&wbSection=news)Paul J. Richards / AFP - Getty ImagesIn churches and bus stations, on water skis and bicycles, people from the Middle East to middle America celebrate Christmas.Launch slideshowDelivering Christmas greetings in 65 languages, Benedict underscored his view that the hope represented by Christmas should never die, even in the most dire of situations.
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