Pope Francis Calls for an End to War and Violence in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen During Christmas Prayer

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church, during the Christmas Day prayer, urged the international community to find peaceful solutions for the armed crises and tensions that have erupted in various corners, especially for the people of Syria, the tensions in Yemen, Iraq, and Libya. In his speech, recalling the 'suffering and hardship' of the Syrian people, he prayed for peace and hope to replace the fear stemming from war and terrorism: 'The fear and death that have taken root in the hearts of many countries and cities.' The Catholic leader, in the prayer on Sunday, December 25, in front of 40,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, specifically mentioned the people of Syria, spoke about the situation in Aleppo, and called for the international community to find a peaceful solution to this crisis. He urged Israel and the Palestinians to 'turn a new page in history.' At the same time, he called for an end to 'violence and terrorism' in Iraq, Libya, and Yemen. Pope Francis prayed that 'those who have lost their loved ones in violent terrorist attacks, which have sown the seeds of fear and death,' may find peace and tranquility. The Catholic leader also expressed concern about the situation on the Korean Peninsula, where nuclear and military tensions have intensified over the past year, and Myanmar, a country that has been the site of violence and attacks, particularly against the Muslim minority, calling for efforts towards peaceful coexistence. The Christmas prayer ceremony in Vatican City was held with a heavy presence of security forces. Europe, along with other countries around the world, especially in West Asia and North Africa, has been the scene of widespread terrorist attacks this past year, in some cases unprecedented over decades. The streets of various cities have been the site of explosions, vehicle attacks on crowds, shootings, and other assaults. Over the years, Pope Francis has addressed current issues in his public speeches; he has called for the resettlement of refugees, described the nuclear agreement with Iran as 'a sign of political goodwill,' and stated regarding global violence, 'Although the world is at war, this is not a religious war.' He has also called for tolerance, 'peaceful coexistence,' and the protection of the environment.