After leading the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Francis made a passionate plea for prayers for peace in conflict zones across the globe. He called on the international community to ensure that humanitarian law is respected, emphasizing the need to protect civilians, schools, hospitals, and workplaces from harm.
In his address, the Holy Father highlighted the importance of continued prayers for peace, with a special focus on regions experiencing conflict such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan.
Recalling his previous appeals for respect for international humanitarian law, Pope Francis emphasized the need to safeguard the life and dignity of all people, as well as the integrity of civil structures and places of worship.
War, the pontiff reiterated, is always a defeat, underscoring the destructive nature of conflict and the need for peaceful resolutions. He urged individuals and nations alike to strive for peace and to reject violence as a means of achieving victory.
As we look ahead to a new year, let us join Pope Francis in praying for peace and advocating for the protection of all those affected by conflict. Together, we can work towards a world where dialogue and understanding prevail over war and division.
Previous appeals
Already at the Angelus of 27 October 2024, recalling the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, Pope Francis had called for respect for the life and dignity of peoples, and “the integrity of civil structures and places of worship, in observance of international humanitarian law.”
