The Daily Star Ireland
Pope Francis has urged for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war resulting from Russia’s invasion two years ago, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths. In his Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” address, he specifically addressed the conflict in Ukraine, calling for “the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation.”
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands gathered below, the Pope implored for the cessation of hostilities in Ukraine and advocated for dialogue and encounter to achieve a just and lasting peace. Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials criticized him for suggesting that Ukraine should have the courage to negotiate an end to the war.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously refused peace talks without restoring Ukraine’s pre-war borders. However, since Donald Trump’s re-election as US president, Zelensky has shown more openness to negotiations, proposing a diplomatic settlement that would freeze current battle lines and involve foreign troops in Ukraine.
Russia has insisted that Ukraine give up its ambitions to join NATO. Celebrating his 12th Christmas as Pope, Francis called for an end to conflicts worldwide, including in Lebanon, Mali, Mozambique, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Addressing the situation in Gaza, Pope Francis, who has recently criticized Israel’s military actions there as “cruelty,” renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war and for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “extremely grave” and urged for dialogue and peace.
The Israeli-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked southern Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages to Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has resulted in over 45,000 deaths and significant destruction in Gaza, according to local authorities.
Pope Francis also initiated a Holy Year for the global Catholic Church, which will last until January 6, 2026. This Jubilee year is meant to be a time of peace, forgiveness, and overcoming divisions. The Pope emphasized that it should be a period for individuals and nations to seek hope and dismantle barriers of separation, including the border wall dividing Cyprus since 1974.
