As part of his Christmas Eve speech, Pope Francis addressed refugees fleeing from ISIS, offering support and condolences during a late evening mass in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on Wednesday, The Guardian reports.

Pope Francis compared the refugees, who are currently taking shelter in Ankawa, a Northern Iraqi suburb, to Jesus. Most the refugees are of Christian faith.

"You're like Jesus on this night, and I bless you and am close to you," Francis said. "I embrace you all and wish for you a holy Christmas."

Pope Francis also encourged the refugees to stay in the area, and help Muslims to extinguish the hatred perpetrated by ISIS, and other Islamic extremists. Francis urged them help promote "a more authentic image of Islam." In this particular part of the world, Christianity has had a presence for roughly two milleniums.

Francis later echoed his statements during a mass that was held in St. Peter's Basilica.

"How much the world needs tenderness today," Francis said. "God's patience, God's closeness, God's tenderness."

ISIS has rose to prominence and gained significant international attention after seizing control of large territories in both Iraq, and Syria. ISIS has executed multiple western citizens and journalists, and has been targeted by the U.S. military, undergoing sustained attacks from drones and other forces. Though ISIS was originally an off-shoot of Al Qaeda, the infamous terrorist organization that was behind the September 11th attacks in New York City, Al Qaeda has reportedly severed ties with ISIS, according to ABC News.

Pope Francis has had a full itinerary as of late. The 78-year-old Argentinian pontiff recently lambasted multiple Vatican officials for pursuing power and wealth while forgetting their duties as members of the Catholic hierarchy. Pope Francis even accused these figures of being afflicted with "spiritual Alzheimer's" disease.

It will be interesting to see whether Pope Francis' remarks will have any effect on the turmoil that ISIS-occupied and influenced areas, and affected peoples, are currently undergoing.