Pope Francis, on Dec. 25, during a traditional Christmas appeal to the “To the City and the World” (Urbi et Orbi) recalled the need to establish peace in Ukraine, Syria and Venezuela.
“May the Redeemer of the world bring light to beloved Ukraine, which yearns for concrete solutions for an enduring peace,” he said, speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Speaking of Syria, he prayed for comfort for “the beloved Syrian people who still see no end to the hostilities that have rent their country over the last decade,” he said.
His thoughts went to the beloved Venezuelan people, “long tried by their political and social tensions.”
He also mentioned the Holy Land, where he said, “so many people – struggling but not discouraged – still await a time of peace, security and prosperity.”
