Pope Francis on Monday denounced the arms industry and its war-fueled “instruments of death” as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world and especially between Israel and Palestine.
Speaking from the loggia of the Basilica of St. Peter to the crowd below, Francis said he was saddened by Hamas’ “heinous attack” on southern Israel on October 7 and called for the release of the hostages. And he pleaded for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “horrific harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
Francis focused his Christmas Day blessing on a call for peace in the world, noting that the biblical story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem sends a message of peace.
But he said that Bethlehem “is a place of sadness and loneliness” this year.
Pope Francis delivered the Urbi et Orbi (Latin for ‘to the city and to the world’) Christmas Day blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter in the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. AP
Francis’ annual “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) address typically offers a lament for all the miseries the world faces, and this year’s edition is no different.
From Armenia and Azerbaijan to Syria and Yemen, Ukraine to South Sudan and Congo and the Korean peninsula, Francis appealed for humanitarian initiatives, dialogue and security to overcome violence and death.
He called for the government and citizens of good will in America in particular to address the “alarming phenomenon” of migration and “irresponsible traffickers” who take advantage of innocent people just looking for a better life.
People stand in front of Ukrainian flags as they listen to Pope Francis deliver the Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter in the Vatican, Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. AP
He took aim at the arms industry, which he said fueled conflicts around the world with almost no one paying attention.
“It should be discussed and written, to reveal the interests and profits that move the strings of war puppets,” he said. “And how can we talk about peace, when arms production, sales and trade are increasing?”
Francis has often denounced the arms industry as “merchants of death” and said that today’s wars, especially in Ukraine, are used to try out new weapons or use old stockpiles.
He called for reconciliation between Israel and Palestine, and for the conflict to be resolved “through sincere and persistent dialogue between the parties, sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.”
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
