Pope Francis Calls for Christmas Ceasefire Amid Global Conflict

Vatican City, December 22 – Pope Francis, during his Angelus address on Sunday, called for a Christmas ceasefire in war-torn regions across the globe. Addressing the faithful from the Casa Santa Marta due to a cold, the Pope expressed sadness over the suffering inflicted by war, especially on children, and urged for peace and dialogue to prevail in regions such as Ukraine, the Holy Land, and Mozambique.

The Pope highlighted the ongoing devastation in Ukraine, where schools, hospitals, and churches are often targeted, and decried the cruelty inflicted on children, particularly in Gaza, where bombings continue to harm the innocent. With Christmas just days away, Pope Francis prayed for weapons to fall silent and for the world to hear carols of peace instead of the sounds of conflict. “May the weapons be silenced and Christmas carols resound!” he implored, extending his plea for peace to the whole world.

Highlighting Mozambique's struggles, the Pope underscored the need for dialogue and goodwill to overcome discord and poverty. He prayed for faith and mutual understanding to guide nations towards reconciliation and the common good.

During his address, the Pope also shared his joy of spending time earlier in the day with children, their mothers, and caregivers at the Santa Marta Dispensary. Operated at the Vatican by the Vincentian Sisters, the dispensary has served children in need for over a century. He paid special tribute to Sister Antonietta Collacchi, a central figure at the dispensary, for her decades of dedicated service and described her as a "grandmother" to all. Reflecting on the sanctity of life, he described every child as a "gift of God."

The Angelus address concluded with Pope Francis’ blessing of the ‘Bambinelli,’ the Christ-child figurines brought by children and families to Saint Peter’s Square to place in their cribs at home. He urged everyone to remember their grandparents during Christmas and ensure that no one feels alone during the holiday season.

Courtesy: Vatican News