Carol used in aid programme for Syrian families

The traditional symbol of aid during the Christmas season by the Roman Catholic Church's Caritas organisation, the biggest charity in Poland, is a candle. Its campaign in recent years has also been joined by the Orthodox and Protestant communities.

This year Caritas also turned to a traditional Polish carol to draw attention to those in need in the war-torn Middle East.

Caritas spokesman Paweł Kęska said the carol “is about many families in the world who need help, who are in a very difficult situation and have no hope.”

He added: “And the carol - I know - was sung in many homes and in churches”.