Christmas celebrated with call for peace

By TARIQ PANJA, Associated Press Writer

LONDON - From soldiers who donned red Santa hats in Afghanistan to devoted worshippers visiting Bethlehem, Christians around the world celebrated Christmas Day with the sobering thoughts of peace and tolerance even as open war flared in Somalia.

In his Christmas Day address at the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI called for an end to conflicts across the globe and greater concern for the poor, the exploited and all who suffer.

Speaking from a balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, the pontiff called for peace in the Middle East, noting in particular the long war between Israel and the Palestinians.

Source: AP

I would like to join hands with the pope and wish everyone a Merry Christmas, may it be full of love, peace and hope.

Exaggerated or Underestimated response to the Pope's?

No need to give links or articles about the whole Pope Benedict XVI's latest words and the response to it!

I completely understand what he meant! But I think he underestimated the response to it, because we all know what happened when the caricatures about the prophet have been made!

I also think the response is exaggerated! Check below:

CAIRO, Egypt - Al-Qaida in Iraq warned Pope Benedict XVI on Monday that its war against Christianity and the West will go on until Islam takes over the world, and Iran's supreme leader called for more protests over the pontiff's remarks on Islam.

Source: AP

It's like there's a very thin line right now that's barely hanging! and it's going to break soon. Everyone should be highly careful about what they want to say.

I suggest complete paranoia and obsessive compulsive behavior! This should let everyone be over-cautious about what they say, thus no misunderstandings would result!

Finally, I think if we keep it up, the Xenophobia that is, a nice World War III will be knocking on our doors.