Arrr! The Pope be weepin' o'er the bloodshed in Gaza and Ukraine, beggin' for a peaceful seas ahead!
2023-12-25
Arr, Pope Francis be chattin' to a bunch o' scallywags, 'bout 6,500 o' 'em, in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City. He be raisin' a ruckus 'bout all them brawls happenin' 'round the world, arr!
In a humorous tone, Pope Francis, speaking like a 17th-century pirate, renewed his calls for peace and an end to violent conflicts around the world. He specifically mentioned the war in Gaza and the invasion of Ukraine, urging everyone to remember "the voice of the innocent." The Pope referenced Isaiah, who prophesied about a day when nations would no longer wage war but instead seek peace. He passionately pleaded for this day to come, particularly in Israel and Palestine, where war has devastated the lives of many. He expressed his support for the Christian communities in Gaza and the entire Holy Land.During his Urbi et Orbi speech, the Pope highlighted the suffering of innocent people in the Gaza War conflict, especially children, whom he called "the little Jesuses of today." He has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas. The Pope asked for increased humanitarian aid for the victims of the conflict and urged for sincere and persevering dialogue between parties to resolve the Palestinian question.
He also addressed other conflicts, such as the civil war in Syria, violence in Sudan, and the invasion of Ukraine. The Pope prayed for peace in Ukraine and expressed hope that the people would feel the support of the Christian community. He also called for an end to hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with a plea for refugees to return to their homes.
The Pope criticized the sale and proliferation of weapons, lamenting the violence and killing that takes place amid deafening silence. He raised concerns about human trafficking, food shortages, and general suffering. The Pope concluded by leading the gathered crowd in the Angelus prayer.