On the feast of St. Stephen, Pope Francis renews his appeal for peace in the world, remembering especially those suffering from the devastating war in Ukraine.
By Sophie Peeters
Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square after praying the Angelus on Monday, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for peace in the world, especially those suffering from war in Ukraine.
“I renew my wish for peace: peace in families, peace in parishes and religious communities, peace in movements and associations, peace for those war-torn peoples, peace for the dear and martyred Ukraine.”
Peace for Ukraine
On the feast of St. Stephen, the Pope 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 Pope 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 Pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” message on Sunday, in which the Pope 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 Pope noted how today there is a true “famine of peace”.
Those particularly afflicted by war, the Pope 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 Pope concluded his address by thanking those who have sent him well-wishes this Christmas and especially for their “gift of prayer.”
