In his traditional Christmas message to the Catholic faithful – on the balcony of the Vatican in front of a large crowd – Pope Francis referred mainly to the Middle East and the need to achieve peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

In more detail, the pontiff emphasized: “I embrace the population of Israel, Palestine and, in particular, the Christian communities of Gaza and the Holy Land.” I bear in my heart the pain of the heinous attack of October 7 and renew my resolute appeal for the release of those still held hostage.”

The priest called for an end to military operations “with the appalling number of innocent victims they cause” and to immediately allow the dispatch of humanitarian aid. At the same time, Francis spoke openly in favor of an honest dialogue, which could lead to a resolution of the Palestinian issue, with substantial political will and with the support of the international community.

He also asked that the international public opinion be able to be informed about the interests and the huge sums hidden behind the wars, with the continuous production of weapons.

“Looking at the newborn Jesus, I am begging for peace to be achieved in Ukraine. We renew our spiritual and human closeness to its people who are being tested so that, with the support of each one of us, they can feel, in an essential way, the love of God”, underlined the Argentine Pope.

Pope Francis

Francis, in his message, asked for peace for Azerbaijan and Armenia, wished Lebanon to overcome the phase of instability it is going through, while also referring to the people of Syria and Yemen, who continue to suffer.

With the gaze fixed on Africaalso, the pontiff emphasized: “we do not forget the tensions and conflicts that cause disasters in the Sahel region, in the Horn of Africa, in Sudan, but also in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo and South Sudan”.

“May the Lord’s Virus, who became a humble child, provide the necessary inspiration to the political authorities and all people of good will in the American continent, so that they can find suitable solutions to overcome political and social differences, fight against forms of poverty that offend people’s dignity, to eliminate inequalities and to deal with the painful phenomenon of migration.

From the manger, Jesus asks us to give a voice to those who have none: a voice to the civilians, to those who die for lack of water and bread, a voice to those who cannot find work or have lost it. A voice for those who are forced to move away from their homeland, in search of a better future, putting their lives at risk, with exhausting journeys, at the mercy of traffickers without moral qualms”, Francis added.