Pope calls for ceasefire in Middle East and Ukraine amid prayers
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 dire situation of civilians and emphasised the need to end the violence. Many pilgrims were present in St. Peter's Square.
Pope Francis delivered a strong message on Sunday calling for the immediate end of wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. During the Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the Pope appealed for a ceasefire and the initiation of negotiations. "Stop, please! Stop the killing of innocent people," he said.
The Pope's Vatican speech also addressed international leaders, urging them to choose diplomacy over further armed conflicts.
Francis concerned about the situation in the Middle East
Francis stated that he follows the situation in the Middle East with "concern" and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities. "Let us pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace," the Pope appealed.
He also called for respect for the United Nations peacekeeping forces, focusing mainly on the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli forces attacked the bases of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.
Francis expressed 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 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 said.
In his speech, the Pope also emphasised that war never brings lasting solutions and its effects are usually tragic for all parties 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 us that Ukrainians suffer not only from military actions but also from the impending winter and difficult 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 said. "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 country.
