Pope Francis laments violence in Gaza, Ukraine during annual Christmas speech, call for peace

 Pope Francis has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip while seeking humanitarian aid

Pope Francis renewed calls for peace and an end to the many violent conflicts around the world, particularly the war in Gaza and the invasion of Ukraine, as he urged all to remember "the voices of the innocent."

"Isaiah, who prophesied about the Prince of Peace, spoke of a day when one nation will not take up the sword against another," Pope Francis told a crowd of about 6,500 followers in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City " "He wrote of a day when people would not learn the art of war, but would beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into thorns."

“With God's help, let us do everything possible so that that day comes,” the Pope urged. "So be it in Israel and Palestine, where war is ravaging those lives. I embrace all of you, especially the Christian communities of Gaza, the parishes of Gaza, and the entire Holy Land."

During his Urbi et Orbi speech – which means "for the city and the world" – the Pope highlighted the suffering of innocent people in the Gaza war conflict, especially children, whom he called "today's little Jesuses".

The Pope has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, and he reiterated his call during his Christmas speech, saying he takes to heart "the suffering of the victims of the October 7 attack" and of all those still held hostage. Requested for the release of the hostages. Increased humanitarian assistance to Hamas and victims of the conflict.

"There should be an end to the incitement of violence and hatred and the resolution of the Palestinian question through honest and sustained negotiations between the parties, with strong political will and the support of the international community," he said. "Brothers and sisters, let us pray for peace in Palestine and Israel."

The Pope's speech began with a reminder of God's message and "the joy that arises from being God's beloved sons and daughters," but soon focused on the conflict, asking, "How many innocents have been massacred in our world? Is?"

He talked about the ongoing civil war in Syria, violence in Sudan and the invasion of Ukraine, among other conflicts. He called for peace for Ukraine and expressed hope that the people of Ukraine could feel the support of the Christian community.

He also prayed for a cessation of hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan, as well as called for refugees to return to their homes in a possible reference to the 120,000 residents of the Artsakh Republic who were driven out of the region in September.

“For children whose lives are being destroyed by war – to say yes to the Prince of Peace is to say no to war, to every war, even to the mentality of war,” the Pope said. He called the war "a journey to no place".

He lamented the weakness and "impulsive" nature of the human heart, saying, "To say no to war is to say no to arms, to weapons." He said that the sale of weapons and arms is increasing.

“How much violence and murder takes place amidst the deep silence, how many people are not aware of it?” the Pope asked. "Those who want bread and not arms, who struggle to make ends meet and want only peace, have no idea how much public money is spent on arms – and yet they should know it."

The Pope also touched on concerns about human trafficking, food shortages and general suffering before leading thousands of people gathered in the Angelus prayer.