Daily Mail: Pope Francis calls for the world to unite against 'brutal acts of terrorism' in Christmas message which offered thanks to those countries who have come to the aid of migrants
* Francis, 73, spoke to thousands inside the grand St Peter's Basilica during his only public mass over Christmas
* Argentina born Pontiff urged Christians to abandon their superficial desires and embrace the 'essential ways of life'
* Children from countries that Francis has visited as pontiff were invited to watch him speak at 16th Century church
* As the bells of the basilica rang out, Francis started the mass by unveiling and gently kissing statue of baby Jesus
Pope Francis used his Christmas message this morning to call for peace in a world torn apart by 'brutal acts of terrorism' while thanking the generosity of countries for showing mercy and offering shelter to desperate refugees.
Speaking from the loggia of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, Francis issued a Christmas Day peace appeal Friday against poverty and extremist attacks.
He said: 'Only God's mercy can free humanity from the many forms of evil, at times monstrous evil, which selfishness spawns in our midst.'
'Where God is born, hope is born. He brings hope. Where God is born, peace is born. And where peace is born, there is no longer room for hatred and for war.'
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. reports 31 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.
ISIS using human shields to escape from major Iraqi army offensive as government forces close in on strategic town of Ramadi.
Air strike kills top Syrian rebel leader on edge of Damascus.
Kurdish-Arab alliance pushes IS back in north Syria: spokesman.
Syrian government ready to enter new peace talks.
Assad makes surprise Christmas visit to Damascus church (PHOTOS).
Qatar and Russia agree on Syria peace plans. Moscow and Doha divided over Assad’s legitimacy — Qatar FM.
Iranian casualties surge in Syria as Revolutionary Guards ramps up war effort.
Turkish 'cleansing' operation rocks southeastern cities.
Turkey's Erdogan talks man on bridge out of suicide.
West Bank risks being plunged into chaos in 2016, warn Palestinian officials. Three Palestinians are shot dead as they launched stabbing and car-ramming attacks in the West Bank and a fourth is killed in clashes with Israeli soldiers.
Crisis averted after Israeli, Palestinian troops face off near Abbas' home.
Accusations fly over Saudi hospital fire that killed 24.
Anglican leader warns of Christian 'elimination' in Middle East.
ASIA
Late-night earthquake rattles Pakistani capital. Strong 6.2 magnitude quake rocks northeast Afghanistan: USGS. Magnitude 6.2 quake hits northern Afghanistan: USGS.
Afghan and Taliban forces trade blows in Sangin battle.
India PM Modi makes surprise Pakistan visit. India PM Modi in surprise Pakistan visit.
Indian and Russian leaders praise partnership.
North Korea: U.S. drove South Korea to conflict after land mine provocations.
Door for dialogue with North 'always open' says president of South Korea.
China's controversial new anti-terror law to pass on Sunday.
Beijing security alert: Australia, Britain and US warn citizens to be vigilant.
Fugitive ex-Thai PM Thaksin warns on economy.
Japan foreign minister arranging Seoul visit to settle 'comfort women' row.
Bangladesh signs $12.65 billion deal with Russia for nuclear power plants.
AFRICA
CAR postpones crucial election over technical concerns.
South Sudan president creates 28 new states. S. Sudan: President creates 28 new states, threat to peace.
As Libya marks 64th independence anniversary, UN envoy urges unity behind new Government.
‘Thanks for destroying our country’: Angry Libyans lash out at Obama’s independence congratulations.
Congo: Cargo plane overshoots runway, kills 7.
Ethiopian opposition figures arrested over land protests.
'Tens' killed in Nigeria Christmas Eve gas plant explosion: presidency.
Sudan-Niger agree to fight Boko Haram.
Egypt plane crash: Airlines extend suspension of Sharm el-Sheikh flights. Russia identifies groups behind Egypt plane crash.
South African hunters say new US restrictions on lion trophies will come at a cost.
EUROPE
Pope calls in Christmas message for unity against militant atrocities.
Ukraine adopts budget in bid to preserve IMF-led bailout.
Ukraine imposes trade embargo on Russia.
Refugee crisis grows in Greece as EU looks on.
Cameron closes in on new EU deal banning benefits for migrants.
Steinmeier: 'No German boots on the ground in Syria'.
UK plans rare Christmas emergency session due to flooding.
Georgian foreign minister nominated for PM.
Spain elections: King Felipe calls for national unity.
Russia warming '2.5 times quicker' than global average: ministry.
AMERICAS
2016 Dems turn on Obama admin over reported deportation raid plans.
Heavily redacted Benghazi emails released on Christmas Eve.
Oil producer Venezuela is facing very rough times. Former Colombian, Bolivian leaders warn of looming humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.
Colombia captures 8 members of ELN guerrilla group.
Floods in Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay displace tens of thousands.
Argentina floods force thousands to evacuate.
Eastern U.S. sees warm Christmas, winter storm looms for Plains.
Brazil warns against pregnancy due to spreading virus.
Arson suspected at Bill Clinton's birthplace.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
US lawmakers press for Christians to be included in ISIS genocide designation.
Russia ready to share information on Islamic State, expects same in return — General Staff.
Exclusive: Islamic State sanctioned organ harvesting in document taken in U.S. raid.
This map shows how much territory ISIS has lost this year. ISIL lost 5,000 square miles of territory largely in northern Syria, Iraq.
Russia, U.S. agree on who to call major terrorist groups in Middle East: RIA.
An under-the-radar European country has become a ‘recruitment hotbed’ for ISIS.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Oil above $37 as U.S. supply tightens, still near 11-year low.
IMF predicts oil price slump to $20 in 2016.
Low oil prices are double-edged sword for global economy.
US Federal Reserve will pay banks $12 billion in 2016.
China establishes Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to rival World Bank. China says AIIB up and running early in the new year.
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