Pope calls for ‘weapons to be silenced’ in Christmas Day address

Pope Francis has issued an urgent appeal for peace during his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address on Christmas Day, calling on “all people, all peoples and nations” to “silence the weapons and overcome divisions.”

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square in Rome at the culmination of the Christmas celebrations, the 88-year-old pontiff made particular mention of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

“Let there be silence of the weapons in martyred Ukraine,” Francis said from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica.

He also called for “opening the door to negotiations, as well as gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace” in Ukraine, which has been under attack from Russia for almost three years.

The pope also appealed for peace in the Middle East.

“Let the doors of dialogue and peace open up in the entire region torn apart by conflicts,” he demanded, visibly moved.

Recalling the situation in the Gaza Strip, he said: “Let there be a ceasefire, let the hostages be released and the population, worn down by hunger and war, be cared for.”

In his Christmas Day message, the pope usually turns his attention to conflicts and wars around the world and calls for peace and reconciliation.

This year, he also mentioned Lebanon, Syria, Libya, as well as conflicts and hardship on the African continent and in Latin America.

Following the address, Francis delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and to the World) blessing.