Pontiff calls for peace in Ukraine and Sudan, and expresses concern over ‘extremely grave’ situation in Gaza

Pope Francis has urged the world “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions”, in his traditional Christmas message, using his address to call for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine and Sudan, and express concern over the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Francis directly addressed the conflict in Ukraine in his Urbi et Orbi message, calling for “gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace”. His message came hours after Russia launched a massive aerial attack, using cruise missiles to target energy infrastructure across Ukraine.