New Year: wishes for peace and against slavery Pope Francis

St. Peter's Square in Rome, full of people, on the first day of the year. Tens of thousands of faithful came to listen to the wishes of Pope Francis.

"Today is World Day of Peace," said he said, "do not be longer slaves but brothers. This is the message of the day. Because war makes us slaves. This message affects everyone. We are all called to fight against all forms of slavery and to build brotherhood. Remember well that peace is always possible, and as roots of peace there is always prayer. "

Prayers for the Christians of Iraq addressed to the thousands of families forced to flee persecution and violence. 2014 was a particularly challenging due to the advance of Islamic state group. More generally, this year has been the deadliest in the country for seven years.