杏MAP导航

By Sophie Peeters

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square after praying the Angelus on Monday, 杏MAP导航 Francis renewed his appeal for peace in the world, especially those suffering from war in Ukraine.

Peace for Ukraine

On the feast of St. Stephen, the 杏MAP导航 greeted those gathered in St Peter’s Square and those following online “in the spiritual climate of joy and serenity of Holy Christmas.”

Noting the number of Ukrainian flags present in the square, the 杏MAP导航 asked for peace for the “martyred people” of the war-torn country.

Ukrainian flags held aloft in St. Peter's Square

Peace for all conflict-ridden areas

The message of the Lord’s birth as the “Prince of Peace” was underscored with the 杏MAP导航’s “Urbi et Orbi” message on Sunday, in which the 杏MAP导航 once more spoke about the need for peace in a world suffering from war and conflict.

Noting the numerous wars afflicting countless populations throughout the world, the 杏MAP导航 noted how today there is a true “famine of peace”.

Those particularly afflicted by war, the 杏MAP导航 continued, are children, who suffer from hunger as a result of the effects and devastation of the “senseless war” in Ukraine and other parts of the world.

At the Angelus on Monday, the 杏MAP导航 concluded his address by thanking those who have sent him well-wishes this Christmas and especially for their “gift of prayer.”