Pope Francis Urges Global Peace, Criticizes Arms Trade in Christmas Message

The Pope’s address from St. Peter’s Basilica centered on Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus, where he drew a parallel to the contemporary plight of innocents. Referencing the biblical narrative of Herod's decree to slaughter infants, he lamented the tragedies unfolding in today's world, stating, "How many innocents are being slaughtered in our world! In their mothers’ wombs, in odysseys undertake in desperation and in search of hope, in the lives of all those little ones whose childhood has been devastated by war. They are the little Jesuses of today, these little ones whose childhood has been devastated by war.”

In a show of solidarity, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the leading Catholic figure in Bethlehem, canceled Christmas festivities, aligning with the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where over 8,000 children have tragically been killed under bombardment by Israeli military forces.

“To say ‘no’ to war means saying ‘no’ to weaponry. The human heart is weak and impulsive; if we find instruments of death in our hands, sooner or later we will use them. And how can we even speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise? … How much violence and killing takes place amid deafening silence, unbeknownst to many!” Pope Francis told the gathered crowd. “Yet that is something they ought to know! It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet-strings of war,” he added.

Directing criticism towards weapon manufacturers, the Pope underscored the inextricable link between opposing war and rejecting weaponry, cautioning against the perilous presence of arms. He emphasized the ethical dilemma, declaring, "How can we even speak of peace when arms production, sales, and trade continue to escalate?"

Pope Francis fervently called for a future free from the scourge of warfare, urging the release of hostages taken during specific attacks and appealing for an end to military actions in Gaza, condemning the distressing toll of civilian casualties.

Expanding his call for peace, the Pontiff implored global attention and intervention in conflict zones like Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, and various regions in Africa, stressing the imperative need for negotiations and peace-building efforts.

Throughout ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Palestine, Pope Francis has consistently advocated for peace negotiations, aiming to mitigate the escalating tensions and seek solutions to the enduring crises.