Pope Francis made a heartfelt appeal on Sunday for global ceasefires in war-torn nations ahead of Christmas.
During the Angelus prayer, he urged political leaders and the international community to reach agreements for peace by the holiday season.“I appeal to Governments and the International Community that a ceasefire may be reached on all war fronts by the Christmas celebrations,” he said.
The pontiff called on all people of goodwill to join in prayer for those suffering from conflict worldwide.
“Let us continue to pray for peace, in tormented Ukraine, in the Middle East – Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and now Syria – in Myanmar, in Sudan, and wherever people suffer from war and violence,” he pleaded.
The Pope’s plea comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza and Lebanon, where thousands have died since recent escalations.
Meanwhile, Ukraine marked a grim milestone of 1,000 days since the Russian invasion began.
In Myanmar, civil unrest continues following a military coup in 2021, and Sudan faces deadly clashes between military factions.
In Syria, opposition forces have declared victory after capturing Damascus, leading to President Bashar al-Assad fleeing to Russia, marking a significant turning point in the long-standing conflict.
