Pope Benedict XVI used his traditional Christmas Day message to urge Catholics in China to have courage despite the limits placed on religious freedom and conscience in the country.
Delivered from the central balcony St. Peter's Basilica, Benedict used his speech to encourage those living in the world's troubled places to take hope from the "comforting message" of Christmas.
"May the birth of the saviour strengthen the spirit of faith, patience and courage of the faithful of the church in mainland China, that they may not lose heart through the limitations imposed on their freedom of religion and conscience but, persevering in fidelity to Christ and his church, may keep alive the flame of hope," Benedict prayed aloud.
In recent weeks, tensions between the Vatican and China have heated up over Beijing's defiance of the pope's authority to name bishops in the country.
The pope also said he hoped Christmas could inspire better human rights in places like Afghanistan and Pakistan and "advance reconciliation on the Korean peninsula."
He spoke several times about the plight of Christians in Iraq, where many have fled the country because of violence against them.
"May the light of Christmas shine forth anew in the land where Jesus was born, and inspire Israelis and Palestinians to strive for a just and peaceful coexistence," Benedict said.
In Bethlehem, officials reported it was the busiest Christmas in years. More than 100,000 pilgrims arrived in the town since Christmas Eve, the military said, the largest gathering in a decade.
With files from The Associated Press
