The Icy Winds of War Continue to Blow on Humanity, Says Pope Francis

Pope Francis, in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi message, highlighted the lack of peace in various regions and urged an end to hostilities in Ukraine, calling for assistance to its people. This is reported by RIA Novosti.

Today, the Pope extended his Christmas greetings to all believers and thousands gathered in front of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Addressing the acute lack of peace in different regions and what he described as the “theaters of the Third World War,” the Pope mentioned Syria, the Holy Land, Iran, Myanmar, Haiti, and Yemen.

“We must sadly note that the icy winds of war continue to blow on humanity,” the Pope stated.

While gathering around Christmas tables, he suggested that we should “think of those suffering from hunger, especially children, while much of the food is futilely wasted and resources are spent on weapons.”

The Pope pointed out that the situation in Ukraine has exacerbated conditions, “putting the populations of entire states, particularly in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, at risk of starvation.”

“Let us all make a commitment on this day, especially those who bear political responsibility, that food should only be an instrument of peace,” the Pope concluded.