Pope urges 'all people of all nations' to silence arms in Christmas address
(VOVWORLD) - Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged "all people of all nations" to find courage during this Jubilee Year "to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions," calling for peace around the world.
 Pope Francis waves on the day he delivers his traditional Christmas Day speech to the city and the world from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 25, 2024. (Photo: Reuters) |
He emphasized the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza while appealing for the release of captives and a ceasefire in the war-torn coastal enclave. The Pope also extended his call for a silencing of arms in Sudan, which has been ravaged by 20 months of brutal civil war where millions are facing a severe humanitarian crisis; and appealed for talks towards a “just peace” between Russia and Ukraine.
The pope invoked the Holy Door of St. Peter's, which he opened on Christmas Eve to launch the 2025 Jubilee, representing reconciliation and forgiveness.