VATICAN CITY. In his annual Christmas Day address, Pope Francis appealed for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the immediate release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The Pope, speaking to a crowd of thousands at St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, also called for increased humanitarian aid to address the “desperate situation” in the war-torn region.
The hostilities between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 240 individuals. Hamas claims that over 20,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Expressing deep concern for both Israeli and Palestinian victims, Pope Francis said, “I bear in my heart the sorrow of the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage. I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims, and I call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation through an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid.”
According to Israeli authorities, 132 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, while others have been released or rescued.
Addressing global conflicts, Pope Francis also called for peace in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in a conflict with Russia for nearly two years. He expressed hope for political and social stability in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, countries facing prolonged periods of war and unrest.
The pontiff extended his prayers for peaceful resolutions in other troubled areas, including tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, various regions in Africa, and the Korean Peninsula.
Additionally, Pope Francis emphasized the plight of millions of migrants worldwide, referring to those who lost their lives “in odysseys undertaken in desperation and in search of hope” as “the little Jesuses of today.”
As the Pope’s message resonates globally, attention turns to international efforts aimed at fostering peace and stability in the regions afflicted by conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
