On Christmas Day, Pope Francis called on Catholics to "open the gates" to the world, to lay down their weapons in Ukraine and the Middle East.
"Let's put down our weapons in Ukraine, let there be a will to open the gates to negotiations, dialogue."
My thoughts go out to the Christian communities of Israel and Palestine, especially in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is dire. Cease the fire, free the hostages, help the population suffering from hunger and war," the Pontiff said in his Urbi et Orbi ("City and Peace") Christmas message: also mentioning Syria, Lebanon and Libya.
Let's tear down all the walls that divide us, overcome hatred and the spirit of revenge. Christ is the door of peace," the Pope said.
Yesterday, he opened the Holy Doors in St. Peter's Cathedral on the eve of the Jubilee Year of Christianity, which will be celebrated throughout 2025.
"The gates are open. Let us be reunited with the Lord." Let's tear down all the walls that divide us, overcome hatred and the spirit of revenge. Christ is the door of peace," the Pope said.
