In his annual Christmas message, Pope Francis called for an immediate cessation of the ongoing Gaza War and the resolution of the Middle Eastern conflict via diplomatic means. Delivering his speech to tens of thousands at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, the Pope advocated for an end to military operations that have wreaked havoc on innocent civilians.
The Pope’s plea for peace was not limited to the Middle East. He also underscored the need for tranquility in other conflict-ridden regions such as Ukraine, Syria, and the Sahel zone.
“Say no to war by saying no to weapons,” he urged, cautioning about the detrimental consequences of entrusting tools of death to “unstable and wounded hearts.”
Pope Francis also turned the spotlight on the controversial issue of abortion, reasserting his vehement opposition. The Pope, who had previously labeled abortion as murder, drew parallels between the slaughters in various contexts, including the unborn in the womb, the desperate migrants seeking hope, and the innocent children whose childhoods are obliterated by war.
In his speech, the Pope also drew attention to the conflicts that often go unnoticed, occurring in what he termed as ‘deafening silence’. Despite battling health issues, notably a knee problem, the 87-year-old Pope, who has been leading the Catholic Church for over a decade, displayed remarkable resilience and strength through his address.
The Pope’s influence extends beyond his speeches. Recently, he signed a document with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, albeit with some restrictions.
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