Pope Francis addresses Ukraine, Middle East in Christmas Urbi et Orbi message
Pope Francis Delivers Urgent Christmas Message for Peace and Dialogue
Pope Francis delivered his annual “Urbi et Orbi” Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican on Wednesday, calling for peace around the globe and an end to ongoing conflicts. The leader of the Roman Catholic Church directly addressed the war between Russia and Ukraine, urging for “the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation.”
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands of people gathered below, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of silencing the sound of weapons in Ukraine. He called for gestures of dialogue and encounter in order to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region. The pontiff also highlighted the need for peace in other conflict-ridden areas such as Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
At 88 years old, Pope Francis is celebrating the 12th Christmas of his pontificate by advocating for an end to conflicts, whether they be political, social, or military. He has faced criticism from Ukrainian officials this year for suggesting that the country should have the courage to negotiate an end to the war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had previously ruled out peace talks without the restoration of Ukraine’s pre-war borders, has shown a growing willingness to engage in negotiations.
In addition to addressing the situation in Ukraine, Pope Francis renewed his call for a cease-fire in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “extremely grave” and urged for the doors of dialogue and peace to be opened.
Christmas marked the beginning of the 2025 Holy Year celebration, which is expected to draw around 32 million Catholics to Rome. Pilgrims lined up early to walk through the Holy Door at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, a tradition that allows the faithful to obtain indulgences during a Jubilee.
On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis inaugurated the 2025 Jubilee dedicated to hope by being the first to walk through the Holy Door. A Catholic Holy Year, or Jubilee, is a time of peace, forgiveness, and pardon.
As the world faces numerous challenges and conflicts, Pope Francis’s message for peace and dialogue serves as a reminder of the importance of working towards a more peaceful and just world. May his words inspire leaders and individuals alike to strive for reconciliation and harmony in all corners of the globe.
