Pope Francis calls for immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and Mideast
During Sunday’s Angelus prayer, Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and a halt to military actions in Ukraine. The Pope highlighted the dramatic situation of civilians and emphasized the need to end the violence.
Pope Francis delivered a powerful message on Sunday, calling for the immediate end of wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. During the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, he appealed for a ceasefire and the initiation of negotiations. "Stop, please! Stop the killing of innocent people," he implored.
The Pope's speech was also directed at international leaders, urging them to choose diplomacy over further armed conflicts.
Francis concerned about the situation in the Middle East
Francis expressed his concern over the situation in the Middle East and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. "Let us pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace," the Pope urged.
He also called for respect for the United Nations peacekeeping forces, focusing on the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have attacked the bases of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.
Francis voiced his support for those affected by the conflict, especially in regions engaged in fighting. "I am close to all the populations involved in Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon," he assured.
The Pope prayed for the victims of war
The Pope prayed for those who have suffered as a result of military actions. "I pray for all the victims, for the displaced, for the hostages whom I hope will soon be released, and I hope that this great pointless suffering, engendered by hatred and revenge, will end soon," he stated.
In his address, the Pope emphasized that war never brings lasting solutions and its effects are usually tragic for all involved. "Brothers and sisters, war is an illusion, it is a defeat: it will never lead to peace, it will never lead to security, it is a defeat for all, especially for those who believe themselves invincible," he added.
Difficult situation in Ukraine
The Pope then referred to the situation in Ukraine, reminding everyone that Ukrainians suffer not only from military actions but also from the approaching winter and challenging living conditions.
"I appeal for the Ukrainians not to be left to freeze to death; stop the air strikes against the civilian population, always the most affected," he declared. "Stop the killing of innocent people," he added firmly.
Francis also addressed the difficult situation in Haiti, where violence and chaos have prevailed for a long time. "I am following the dramatic situation in Haiti, where violence continues against the population, forced to flee from their own homes in search of safety elsewhere, inside and outside the country," he declared, calling for peaceful solutions and support for the people of this nation.
