On the fourth Sunday of Advent, Pope Francis issued a fervent appeal for world peace, urging a ceasefire on all fronts of war. Although forced to stay indoors because of a cold and unable to lead the Angelus prayer from the traditional window of the Apostolic Palace, the Pontiff addressed the faithful from the chapel of his residence in Santa Marta. In his message, he emphasized the critical situation that regions such as the Holy Land, Gaza, and Ukraine are experiencing, specifically lamenting the violence that affects children and innocent civilians. Francisco expressed his wish that, during these Christmas holidays, the sound of weapons be replaced by carols, making a special appeal for prayers for world peace.
In addition to his message of peace, Pope Francis expressed his concern about the havoc caused by Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, where the devastation has left nearly 100 dead. He urged that dialogue and the common good, guided by faith, prevail in the resolution of conflicts. In his address preceding the Marian prayer, Pope Francis blessed the figures of the Child Jesus that the faithful, mostly children, carried to St. Peter's Square, highlighting the importance of this simple gesture. Furthermore, he invited people to cultivate feelings of joy and gratitude toward life, blessing mothers and recognizing the wonder of life as a divine miracle, emphatically stressing that no child is a mistake.
Read the full news article on 20minutos.
