What’s New
In his “Urbit et Orbi” (to the City and the world) Christmas address, Pope Francis called for a global effort to “silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions,” urging reconciliation and peace in the Russia-Ukraine War.
The pope called for “gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace,” in his speech from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was translated by the Vatican’s official media outlet.
Newsweek has contacted the Vatican via email for further comment.
Why It Matters
The pope once again emphasized the Catholic Church’s continuing advocacy for peace in Ukraine.
But at several points since Moscow’s invasion of the country in February 2022, the Catholic leader has fielded criticism from Ukrainian voices for appearing to put the burden on Ukraine to surrender, rather than on Russia to withdraw its troops.
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What To Know
Pope Francis called for the cessation of armed conflict in Ukraine and urged Russia and Ukraine to engage in negotiations to achieve “a just and lasting peace.”
“God’s mercy can do all things,” he said. “It unties every knot; it tears down every wall of division; God’s mercy dispels hatred and the spirit of revenge.”
The pope has consistently petitioned for peace in Ukraine, and has put himself forward as a potential mediator. But his calls for peace have faced Ukrainian criticism.
He faced backlash in March after suggesting Ukraine should have the “courage of the white flag.”
In his Christmas address, the pope also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, labeling the situation “extremely grave” and renewing his call for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
He extended his message of hope to other countries experiencing turmoil, including Lebanon, Syria, Haiti, Venezuela, Mozambique, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
What People Are Saying
Pope Francis said in his Christmas address: “May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine! May there be the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation and to gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said on X, after he met Pope Francis in July: “I met with@Pontifex and thanked His Holiness for his prayers for peace in Ukraine, his spiritual closeness to our people, and humanitarian aid for Ukrainians. I informed the Pope about the consequences of Russian aggression, its air terror, and the difficult energy situation.”
What Happens Next
The Vatican is expected to continue advocating for peace in Ukraine and supporting humanitarian efforts while promoting dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.
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