VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, in his Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) address on Dec 25, appealed for dialogue to end global conflicts, including the war between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, the 88-year-old pontiff urged Ukraine and Russia to pursue negotiations, calling for “the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation” and declaring: “May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine!”
This appeal comes amid growing signs of potential diplomatic movement, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky considering negotiations for a diplomatic settlement, including freezing current battle lines, while Russia continues to demand Ukraine renounce its NATO ambitions.
Pope Francis also highlighted the “extremely grave” humanitarian crisis in Gaza, renewing his call for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war and the release of remaining hostages. Describing Israel’s ongoing campaign as “cruelty” in earlier remarks, he urged the international community to foster peace talks.
Global Appeal for Reconciliation
In his twelfth Christmas as pope, Francis appealed for resolution in other conflict zones, including Lebanon, Haiti, Mozambique, Venezuela, and Cyprus, calling for “tearing down walls of separation” and fostering global unity.
Marking the start of the Catholic Church’s Holy Year, running until Jan 2026, the Pope emphasized peace, forgiveness, and overcoming divisions as central themes of this Jubilee year.