Pope Francis addressed the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square on Christmas Day 2025, delivering his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing with an impassioned plea for peace in a world torn by conflict. Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the 88-year-old pontiff called for an immediate end to hostilities in Ukraine, the Middle East, and all regions where violence continues to claim innocent lives.
The Pope's message came at a particularly poignant moment, as the Christmas season coincides with ongoing conflicts that have displaced millions and caused unprecedented humanitarian suffering. "Let us silence the weapons," Francis urged, his voice carrying across the packed square. "Let us create conditions for peace, starting from a global ceasefire. Let us ensure that humanitarian aid reaches those in need."
In his address, the Pope specifically mentioned the situation in Ukraine, where Russian forces had launched their largest drone attack of the war just two days earlier. He prayed for "the martyred Ukrainian people" and called on world leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions with renewed vigor. The pontiff also addressed the ongoing violence in Gaza and the broader Middle East, calling for the protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law.
This year's Christmas celebration marked the opening of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Year 2025, a holy year of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal that the Vatican expects will draw tens of millions of visitors to Rome. The Pope opened the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve, inaugurating the yearlong celebration of faith and hope.
Francis concluded his message by encouraging people of all faiths to work together for the common good, emphasizing that "peace is possible when we choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference." His words resonated with the thousands gathered in Rome and millions watching worldwide.
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