Pope Francis condemns ‘extremely serious’ incident humanitarian situation in Gaza It also called for the release of prisoners and a ceasefire in the war-torn coastal enclave.

In his Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) address at the Vatican on Wednesday, Francis also called for peace in Ukraine and Sudan.

“I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, especially in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely dire. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released, and may aid be provided to people exhausted by hunger and war.”

Israel has killed at least 45,361 Palestinians on its soil Gaza war Since October 7, 2023, a Hamas-led operation has been launched in Israel, killing 1,139 people, capturing about 200 people, and injuring 107,803 people.

Israel’s so-called “retaliation” has resulted in the displacement of nearly the entire population of Gaza and left much of the enclave in ruins.

As he celebrated his 12th Christmas as pope, the 88-year-old called for an end to political, social or military conflicts in Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Haiti, Venezuela and Nicaragua.

“I invite everyone, all people of all nations… to be pilgrims of hope, to silence the voices of arms and overcome divisions,” the pope said.

end of war in ukraine

Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands of people in the square below, the pope said: “May the sound of arms in war-torn Ukraine be silenced.”

He also called for “a posture of dialogue and engagement to achieve a just and lasting peace.”

Francis criticized Ukrainian officials This year, he said the country should have the “white flag” courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously ruled out peace talks without restoring Ukraine’s pre-war borders. But in the weeks since Donald Trump was re-elected as US president, Zelensky has shown an increasing willingness to engage in negotiations.

In early December, Zelensky floated the idea of ​​a diplomatic solution that would include a “freeze” on current fronts and the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine. Russia demands that Ukraine abandon its ambition to join the NATO military alliance.

Catholic Church leaders also called for a suppression of armed activity in Sudan. 20 months of brutal civil war Millions of people are at risk of famine.

“May the Son of the Most High support the international community’s efforts to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for Sudanese civilians and initiate new ceasefire negotiations,” he said.

Earlier this week, the U.N.-backed Global Hunger Monitor said famine was spreading in Sudan.

The war began in April 2023 when long-standing tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted Enter open combat First in the capital Khartoum, then spreading to other parts of the country.

The conflict has been rife with atrocities, including racially motivated killings and rapes, according to the United Nations and human rights groups.

The International Criminal Court is investigating suspected war crimes and crimes against humanity.