Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza and Sudan in Christmas speech

• Salma Hossein
• . December 25, 2024
• . Update: December 25, 2024 9:25 pm
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Speaking from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis urged the global community to “silence the sounds of arms” in his traditional Christmas message, calling for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan.

The 88-year-old pontiff directly addressed the conflict in Ukraine, calling for “gestures of dialogue and encounter”. His message came hours after Russia launched an aerial attack, targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure using cruise missiles.

Francis also used his Christmas Day message to bring attention to the conflict in the Middle East. “I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine … May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released,” he added.

The Gaza crisis has been raging on for nearly 15 months. There is another situation Pope Francis addressed in his annual speech. It’s the internal conflict in Sudan, raging on for 20 months. Many people are facing the threat of famine there.