Pope Francis invites Eastern Christians to resist the "tenderness"

User tenderness and sweetness to deal with violence and conflict: this is what Pope Francis preached at the Mass of Christmas.

In front of 5000 people gathered in the Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome, the Sovereign Pontif invited Catholics around the world "not to give in to anger" and "show empathy towards people in trouble."

"As the world needs tenderness today! He needs the patience of God, of God's closeness, tenderness of God! "Said the Argentine Pope in his homily.

The pope was particularly worried about the fate of Eastern Christians, persecuted in Iraq and Syria. He urged them to "perseverance" and inter-religious dialogue in spite of difficulties.

At Midnight Mass, Catholics celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.