Pope Francis I delivered a powerful Christmas Day message from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, condemning the weapons industry and its role in fueling conflicts worldwide. The pontiff particularly called for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, addressing the recent “abominable attack” by Hamas against southern Israel and urging an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
In his annual “Urbi et Orbi” speech, Pope Francis I expressed sorrow for the plight of innocent civilians in conflict zones, including areas like Armenia and Azerbaijan, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, South Sudan, Congo, and the Korean Peninsula. He appealed for humanitarian initiatives, dialogue, and security to prevail over violence and death.
The Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church also focused on the troubling issue of migration, calling on governments and people of goodwill in the Americas to address the challenges posed by unscrupulous traffickers preying on those seeking a better life.
A central theme of the address was Pope Francis’ criticism of the weapons industry, which he accused of fueling global conflicts while escaping sufficient scrutiny. He emphasised the need to shed light on the interests and profits driving the “puppet strings of war” and questioned how peace could be achieved when arms production and trade were on the rise.
Addressing the Israel-Palestine conflict, the Pope urged a resolution through sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties, backed by strong political will and international support.
Approximately 70,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s noonday speech, including individuals waving Palestinian and Ukrainian flags. Despite recent health concerns, the 87-year-old Pope appeared resilient during the address, though he occasionally exhibited signs of coughing and breathlessness.
On the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis I will give a blessing. He will also attend a New Year’s Eve vigil in the basilica and celebrate Mass the following day.
