Pope speaks on world trouble spots, economy and abortion

"I now turn with deep concern towards the Holy Land. Following Palestine's recognition as a Non-Member Observer State of the United Nations, I again express the hope that, with the support of the international community, Israelis and Palestinians will commit themselves to peaceful coexistence within the framework of two sovereign states, where respect for justice and the legitimate aspirations of the two peoples will be preserved and guaranteed. Jerusalem, become what your name signifies. A city of peace and not of division; a prophecy of the Kingdom of God and not a byword for instability and opposition," said the Pope.Speaking in his yearly "state of the world" address to diplomats from nearly 180 countries and world organisation, Benedict also condemned "terrorist attacks" against Christians in Nigeria and violence inMali, where Islamists in the north are destroying the religious heritage.

"Nigeria is regularly the scene of terrorist attacks which reap victims above all among the Christian faithful gathered in prayer, as if hatred intended to turn temples of prayer and peace into places of fear and division. I was deeply saddened to learn that, even in the days when we celebrated Christmas, some Christians were barbarously put to death," he said.

The leader of the world's some 1.2 billion Roman Catholics said the global economic crisis was caused in part by an absolutist view of profit.

"To that end, it would be well to teach people how to resist the temptations of particular and short-term interests, and to look instead to the common good. Furthermore, it is urgent to train leaders who will one day guide national and international public institutions."

The Pope also denounced moves in some countries to decriminalise abortion.

"Direct abortion, that is to say willed as an end or as a means, is gravely contrary to the moral law. In affirming this, the Catholic Church is not lacking in understanding and mercy, also towards the mother involved. Rather, it is a question of being vigilant lest the law unjustly alter the balance between the right to life of the mother and that of the unborn child, a right belonging equally to both. In this area, the recent decision of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights regarding in vitro fertilization, which arbitrarily redefines the moment of conception and weakens the defence of unborn life, is also a source of concern."

Pope Benedict was speaking to envoys gathered in the Sala Region of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace.