'So many tears this Christmas', says Pope Francis

Pope Francis waves as he delivers a "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message from the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. (Photo:Reuters)

Pope Francis issued a strident call in his Christmas day message to safeguard children who are victims "under our very eyes" of violence and trafficking, while also demanding an end to "brutal persecution" worldwide.

Killings and hostage-takings from the Middle East to Nigeria and elsewhere must stop, he said in his annual Christmas "urbi et orbi" (to the city and the world) message.