Pope Francis Calls for Peace in War-Torn Countries
Once again, Pope Francis appeals for countries at war, urging people to “not forget” the territories affected by violence and to continue praying for peace. The Pontiff recalls the mandate of St. John Paul II to “protect life at every stage of its development: from conception to natural death.” In the Paul VI Hall, the CircAfrica performance captivates with music, dance, acrobatics, and even two animatronic elephants. The Pope expresses gratitude to the circus performers for bringing laughter.
By Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City
The smile from the vibrant CircAfrica performance in the Paul VI Hall (complete with animatronic elephants) quickly turns to sorrow on the Pope’s face as he laments the ongoing conflicts plaguing various parts of the world. “Let us not forget to pray for peace,” emphasizes Francis at the end of today’s general audience on January 8, following a catechesis entirely dedicated to the scourge of exploitation, abuse, and forced child labor affecting hundreds of thousands of children.
Let us not forget to pray for peace. Let us not forget the tormented Ukraine; let us not forget Nazareth, Israel. Let us not forget all the countries at war.
Praying for Peace
“We ask for peace,” adds the Pontiff. An insistent request to maintain the tension and concern that drive the search for this peace. The risk, as the Pope has often stated, is that we become indifferent to the tragedies unfolding in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Even worse, that news of deaths and destruction becomes routine, everyday occurrences, leading to indifference.
We ask for peace. And let us not forget that war is always, always a defeat. May the Lord bless everyone.
The Appeal of St. John Paul II
In this first general audience of 2025, Pope Francis echoes St. John Paul II’s appeal: “Building a civilization of love and life.” He conveys this message to the Polish pilgrims, urging them to continue to “embrace” this call of their compatriot Pope as a top priority.
Protect life with love, at every stage of its development: from conception to natural death. Raise children in wisdom and grace.
During this morning’s general audience in the Paul VI Hall, a colorful performance took place featuring fifty dancers, contortionists, acrobats, and jugglers from various African countries. The performance was a tribute to African performing arts in all their forms. Pope Francis watched with amusement, particularly captivated by the acrobatic acts. After also petting the elephant, he expressed gratitude to the performers for spreading cheer.
I thank these men and women who made us laugh with the circus. The circus makes us laugh like children. Circus performers have this mission, even among us: to make us laugh and do good things. I thank all of you so much.
In his words, Pope Francis also greeted Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the archpriest of the Vatican Basilica and vicar for Vatican City, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Photogallery
The CircAfrica performance in the Paul VI Hall
