Pope Francis has appealed for an end to the "senseless" war in Ukraine in his traditional Christmas message from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on December 25. He recalled "our Ukrainian brothers and sisters who are experiencing this Christmas in the dark and cold, far from their homes.” He referenced numerous countries in difficulty this Christmas, whether due to conflict or another crisis, from Afghanistan to Yemen, Syria, Burma, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For the first time, he also called for "reconciliation" in Iran, rocked by women-led protests for the past three months.
At Christmas, Pope Urges End To 'Senseless' Ukraine War
Pope Francis waves to the crowd as he appears at a balcony to deliver his annual Christmas blessing in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on December 25.