Pope Francis Called for Quieting Weapons and Overcoming Divisions This Christmas Amid Global Conflicts
Pope Francis has urged the world to silence weapons and overcome divisions during this Christmas season overshadowed by wars, particularly affecting Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. Speaking to thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope presented his traditional Christmas message addressing notable global tensions, which span from Sudan to Myanmar, including Haiti, Cyprus, and Mali.
During his address, he expressed grave concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, reitering calls for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages as the conflict persists for over a year between Israel and Hamas. “Let us think about wars, the children who are shot at, and the bombs on schools and hospitals,” he remarked, condemning the brutal Israeli strikes on Gaza, which have drawn protests from the Israeli foreign ministry.
On Tuesday, Pope Francis launched the 2025 Jubilee Year for the Catholic Church, which is expected to see over 30 million pilgrims from around the world descending upon Rome. This year’s Christmas celebrations resonate with the realities of war and suffering, as the Pope encouraged all to work ardently for peace.
Responding to the pressing situation, the Pope remarked, “Let us have the courage to open the door to negotiation…to achieve lasting and fair peace.” This call for dialogue aimed to resonate particularly within the Ukrainian conflict, where the Pope’s pleas for peace have gone largely inaudible since the war began last February.
Meanwhile, Christmas festivities vary significantly across the globe. Hundreds of faithful gathered outside the Church of the Nativity, located in Bethlehem, the historic birthplace of Jesus. Traditionally, the town lights up with celebrations; nonetheless, local authorities opted for subdued observances for the second consecutive year. Pierre Battista Pizzaballa, the Patriarch of Jerusalem for Latins, passionately thanked the people of Gaza, stating, “They are a true sign of hope amid catastrophe and total destruction surrounding them,” marking this year’s Christmas as particularly somber.
Across the Middle East, the situation remains dire. Christian communities joined together for midnight masses, not all able to engage fully due to recent strife. George Al-Sayegh, displaced to Saint Porphyrius Church, lamented, “This holiday is cloaked with sadness and the smell of death and destruction; we don’t know who will be alive for next Christmas.” The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced 23 fatalities over the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to over 45,361 amid the continuing conflict.
Commemorations across the world reflect the prevailing environment. President Joe Biden’s White House message this Christmas conveyed hopes for freedom, love, and dignity, addressing the American public amid numerous challenges faced this year. Across the Atlantic, King Charles III acknowledged the support of healthcare workers and pushed for unity during this festive season, highlighting current global disputes.
Historic sites experienced varied celebrations as well. After the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened just last week, allowing for the first Christmas Mass since the incident.
Similarly, this year marked Ukraine’s second Christmas celebrated on December 25 instead of January 7, with air raid sirens ringing out across the land as military warnings continued against possible missile strikes from Russia. Ukrainian authorities reported extensive missile attacks, leading to heightened concerns for safety.
Germany grappled with its own challenges this year, as President Frank-Walter Steinmeier reached out for unity against the backdrop of deadly assaults, expressing concern over the deliverance of Christmas spirit amid tragedies.
Meanwhile, as Buenos Aires hosted festive meals for around 3,000 homeless individuals, highlighting the severe poverty impacting over half of Argentina's population, the king’s remarks and Biden’s call for togetherness spurred reminders of kindness amid hardship.
Despite the weight of grief overshadowing many celebrations, communities across different cultures continue to seek solace and inspiration from their traditions. The Papal message, combined with local stories from churches around the world, encapsulates the dual nature of the holiday season this year—a time marked not only by joy and festivity but also by heartfelt calls for peace and compassion.
During this Christmas season, Pope Francis's appeals resonate louder than ever, reminding the faithful about the importance of love and reconciliation over discord and division.
