VATICAN CITY (AFP) - Pope Benedict XVI called Thursday for peace in the Middle East and stability in Africa during his traditional Christmas speech in St Peter's Square. "May the divine light of Bethlehem radiate throughout the Holy Land, (bringing) forth rich fruit from the efforts of all those who (shun) the twisted logic of conflict and violence," he said, addressing thousands of faithful gathered in the square and millions of viewers on television. In the Middle East, "the horizon seems once again bleak for Israelis and Palestinians," said the 81-year-old pontiff after nearly four years on the papal throne. Benedict also spoke out strongly about greed, saying, "our world will certainly fall apart ... if people look only to their own interests." "Wherever the selfishness of individuals and groups prevails over the common good ... may the light of Christmas shine forth and encourage all people to do their part in a spirit of authentic solidarity," the Pope urged. The German Pope, looking somewhat tired, said, "An increasingly uncertain future is regarded with apprehension, even in affluent nations." The pontiff offered Christmas wishes in 64 languages to television viewers around the world in his traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the City and the World0 address. In his comments on Africa, the Pope said Zimbabweans have been "trapped for all too long in a political and social crisis which, sadly, keeps worsening." He also singled out Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Somalia, where he said "interminable sufferings are the tragic consequence of the lack of stability and peace." Benedict added: "Wherever the dignity and rights of the human person are trampled upon ... wherever internecine conflicts divide ethnic and social groups and disrupt peaceful coexistence ... may the light of Christmas shine forth." The pontiff did not confirm a planned trip in May to Israel and Jordan announced on Monday by Fuad Twal, the Catholic leader in the Holy Land, in Jerusalem.