International "Let weapons be silent" - Pope urges peace
In his Christmas message, Pope Francis made an urgent appeal for peace. He invited "all people, all peoples and nations" to "silence the weapons and overcome the divisions", said the 88-year-old head of the Catholic Church at the climax of the Christmas celebrations in front of the faithful in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
25.12.2024, 14:48
25.12.2024, 15:02
SDA
In his message, the Pontiff recalled in particular the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. "Let the guns fall silent in martyred Ukraine!" he said from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica. He also called for "opening the door to negotiations and gestures of dialog and encounter in order to achieve a just and lasting peace".
Appeal for peace also for the Middle East
Francis made the same appeal to the actors in the Middle East. "Let the doors of dialog and peace open in the entire region torn apart by conflict," he demanded, visibly moved. He recalled the situation in the Gaza Strip: "There should be a ceasefire, the hostages should be released and the population, worn down by hunger and war, should be provided for."
In his Christmas message, the Pope usually focuses on conflicts and wars and calls for peace and reconciliation. This year, he also recalled Lebanon, Syria, Libya and the conflicts and emergencies on the African continent and in Latin America.
"Urbi et orbi" in front of numerous faithful
After his address, Francis gave the blessing "Urbi et Orbi", i.e. to the city and the world. The Pope gave the blessing standing on the balcony, breathing heavily. He remained seated during the speech. The 88-year-old, who is dependent on a wheelchair due to a serious knee condition and is in poor health, is increasingly struggling with his health.
The Pontiff had opened the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve before the traditional Christmas Mass, officially heralding the Holy Year 2025. In his Christmas message, he called for this year to be seen as a time of reconciliation between people - "even with our enemies".
The Catholic Church usually celebrates a so-called Holy Year, also known as a Jubilee Year, every 25 years. According to Catholic understanding, believers can obtain an indulgence for their sins during a Jubilee Year through prayer and penance. This also includes a pilgrimage to Rome and passing through the Holy Doors. The Holy Year 2025 officially ends on January 6, 2026.
