Pope Francis gave his Urbi et Orbi message, which means “to the city and the world”, to the faithful outside St Peter’s Basilica and around the globe on Christmas Day.
“We pray to the Lord that the agreement reached in the United Nations may succeed in halting as quickly as possible the clash of arms in Syria and in remedying the extremely grave humanitarian situation of its suffering people,” he said. “It is likewise urgent that the agreement on Libya be supported by all, so as to overcome the grave divisions and violence afflicting the country.”
He said: “May the attention of the international community be unanimously directed to ending the atrocities which in those countries, as well as in Iraq, Libya, Yemen and sub-Saharan Africa, even now reap numerous victims, cause immense suffering and do not even spare the historical and cultural patrimony of entire peoples.
“My thoughts also turn to those affected by brutal acts of terrorism, particularly the recent massacres which took place in Egyptian airspace, in Beirut, Paris, Bamako and Tunis.” Francis continued: “To our brothers and sisters who in many parts of the world are being persecuted for their faith, may the Child Jesus grant consolation and strength.”
He called for “peace and concord among the peoples of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi and South Sudan” and expressed his “closeness” to victims of human trafficking and migrants and refugees forced to flee conflicts in their home countries. May our closeness today be felt by those who are most vulnerable” he said, including abused women and child soldiers.
Pope’s ‘deep appreciation’ for UN peace move over Syria
Pope Francis has endorsed a recent UN resolution on peace in Syria and expressed “deep appreciation” to the international community for reaching an agreement.
The UN Security Council approved a “road map” for a peace process between opposition forces and the government of President Bashar Assad. The resolution calls for a ceasefire, the establishment of a unity government with a new constitution and presidential elections within two years.
During his Angelus address on Sunday, the Pope called on the international community, as well as those involved in the conflict, to work towards bringing peace to the region, which has been in the grip of war for almost five years. The conflict paved the way for terrorist groups such as ISIS to take over parts of the country and neighbouring Iraq while persecuting Christians and other religious minorities.
“I encourage everyone to continue, with a generous spirit of confident willingness, towards the cessation of violence and a negotiated settlement leading to peace,” the Pope said.
Francis also praised the establishment of a unity government in Libya.
Iranian president to meet Francis
Iranian president Hassan Rouhani is due to meet Pope Francis later this month.
No date has been set for the meeting in the Vatican but it is likely to take place towards the end of January.
President Rouhani was originally scheduled to travel to Rome in November as part of a European visit that would also have seen him go to France, but the trip was cancelled following the terrorist attacks in Paris. It will be President Rouhani’s first visit to the Vatican.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.