Pope Francis has called for the “silence of the sounds of arms” in war-ridden Ukraine and for a ceasefire in Gaza. The biblical city of Bethlehem celebrated a quiet Christmas amid conflicts in the Middle East.
Pope Francis, during his “urbi et orbi” Christmas blessing, called for talks to end the war in Ukraine, a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, and easier access to humanitarian aid in Sudan, which is plagued by civil war and famine.
Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the city revered as the birthplace of Jesus, remained muted for a second year.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has called for unity after the deadly terrorist attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
Ukraine, which used to celebrate Christmas on January 7 along with the Russian Orthodox Church, is celebrating Christmas in December for the second time after a law changing to the Western calendar was changed last year.
On social media, leading EU politicians joined calls for peace and expressed their wishes for Europeans.
Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, leader of the party Debout la France (France Arise), wrote on X:
“Merry Christmas to all! It is in darkness that light shines and in trials that the strength of a people is shown. May this holiday be a time of hope, faith in the future and rebirth for our beautiful France.”
M5S leader and former prime minister Giuseppe Conte also wrote on X:
“My warmest wishes to you all for a peaceful Christmas!”
François-Xavier Bellamy, French right-wing MEP, noted:
“Merry Christmas!”
