Pope Francis has once again called for an end to the devastating conflicts plaguing various parts of the world, renewing his plea for peace during his Wednesday General Audience.
The Pope specifically mentioned the dire situation in Ukraine and extended his prayers to the people enduring the horrors of the conflict in Palestine and Israel, along with those facing similar challenges in various other regions.
“We renew our prayerful closeness to the dear Ukrainian population so harshly tried and to those who suffer the horror of war in Palestine and Israel, as well as in other parts of the world,” Pope Francis said.
In his address to the faithful, he urged individuals worldwide to join him in praying for nations caught in the grips of war.
Pope Francis appealed to the Lord, asking for divine intervention in the hearts of world leaders to sow the seed of peace.
The Pope’s commitment to advocating for global peace has been a consistent theme in his public appearances. Earlier this week, during his annual “State of the World” address to Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See, he emphasized his concerns regarding pressing global issues.
Among the situations demanding urgent attention and international concern, Pope Francis highlighted the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
He also took a stance against the proliferation of weapons, denouncing the illusion of deterrence created by the “enormous stock of available weapons.”
Contrary to the belief that weapons deter conflicts, Pope Francis argued, their availability tends to encourage their use and production.
He emphasized that such weaponry fosters mistrust among nations and diverts valuable resources from addressing critical humanitarian needs.
