In his annual Christmas Day address, Pope Francis delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” message from the Vatican, calling for global peace and an end to conflicts worldwide.
The pontiff directly addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging the international community to find the courage to pursue negotiations.
Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica to a large gathering, Francis pleaded, “May the sound of weapons be silenced in Ukraine,” and advocated for “dialogue and reconciliation to achieve a just and lasting peace.”
Celebrating his 12th Christmas as Pope, the 88-year-old Francis also called for an end to conflicts in Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Earlier this year, Francis faced criticism from Ukrainian officials following his suggestion that Ukraine should consider negotiating with Russia, even if it meant compromising.
While Ukrainian President Zelenskyy had previously ruled out negotiations without restoring pre-war borders, he has recently shown increased willingness to engage in talks following Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president.
Further expressing concern about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Francis renewed his call for a ceasefire in the region and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “extremely grave” and urged the opening of “doors of dialogue and peace.”
The Christmas message marked the beginning of the 2025 Holy Year, anticipated to draw approximately 32 million Catholic pilgrims to Rome.
On Wednesday, pilgrims formed early queues to pass through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, seeking indulgences, a tradition associated with Jubilee years.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis himself inaugurated the Jubilee by being the first to walk through the Holy Door, dedicating it to hope.
A Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, is traditionally observed as a period of peace, forgiveness, and pardon.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.