Pope Francis on Monday focused his Christmas address on violence in Israel and the war in Gaza, which has caused “catastrophic” loss of civilian life and brought “grief” to Bethlehem, traditionally seen as the birthplace of Jesus. He had called for his release. The deaths of Israeli hostages and an end to devastating military attacks.
Delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” – or “to the city and the world” – Christmas blessing on the birth of Jesus as a symbol of peace, Francis, who turned 87 last week, spoke from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica of. Gray clouds in front of a crowd of thousands on an unseasonably warm day in Rome.
He advocated peace around the world, but the conflict in Gaza was central to his message.
“The eyes and hearts of Christians around the world turn to Bethlehem,” Francis said, drawing attention to “the dark shadow that covers the land.” He urged “to bring peace to Israel and Palestine, where war is ravaging the lives of those who live in it,” and said he extended “congratulations to all of them, especially the Christian communities of Gaza, the parishes of Gaza and the entire Holy Land.” Embraced”.
Francis’ comments served to amplify his Christmas Eve message delivered just hours earlier at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he declared that “Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace has once again been freed from the futile arguments of war.” Has been rejected by”.
