The Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis has called for negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to end the war triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the year 2022.
In his traditional Christmas Day address, the Pope observed that”boldness was needed to open the door” to dialogue “in order to achieve a just and lasting peace” between the two sides.
His appeal followed a major Russian attack the same day on Ukraine’s energy facilities, which Ukraine said involved at least 184 missiles and drones.
Ukraine had earlier this year rejected a call by the pontiff for Kyiv to negotiate an end to the war and have “the courage to raise the white flag”.
Speaking to thousands of people gathered in St Peter’s Square, the 88-year-old Pope declared: “May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine,” and beyond.
“I invite every individual, and all people of all nations… to become pilgrims of hope, to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions,” .
While reaffirming the Christmas Day message he delivered last year, Pope Francis also called for a ceasefire in Gaza and the freeing of hostages held by Hamas.
