Pope Calls for Global Ceasefire in Christmas Message

During his Christmas address, Pope Francis urges the world to “silence arms” and embrace peace, calling for an end to conflicts and solidarity among nations.

In his Christmas address on Wednesday, Pope Francis urged for a global ceasefire to bring peace, specifically in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. He criticized the “extremely grave” humanitarian crisis occurring in Gaza.

In his customary “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) message to 1.4 billion Catholics around the globe, he urged for dialogue towards a just peace in Ukraine, as the nation was battered by 170 Russian missiles and drones on Christmas morning.

“Let the sounds of weapons fall silent in war-torn Ukraine,” said the 88-year-old pontiff, his voice strained and breathless. “May there be courage to open avenues for negotiation, fostering dialogue and connection to establish a just and enduring peace.”

Before thousands of devoted followers gathered in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, there was also an appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

He expressed concern for the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, especially those in Gaza where the humanitarian situation is dire. He hoped for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and that aid would reach people exhausted by hunger and war.

Francis broadened his appeal for a ceasefire to encompass the entire Middle East and Sudan, where an ongoing 20-month brutal civil war has left millions facing the threat of famine.

He expressed hope that the Son of the Most High would support international efforts to provide humanitarian aid access for Sudan’s civilians and begin new ceasefire negotiations.