Vatican City - Pope Francis urges everybody to remember and pray for the children of Ukraine as he meets with young patients of the "Santa Marta" Pediatric Dispensary at the Vatican.

As Christmas approaches on the next Sunday, Pope Francis remembers the numerous Ukrainian children who will be unable to celebrate the birth of Christ in peace and safety.

On Sunday, while meeting with children and their parents at the "Santa Marta" Pediatric Dispensary at the Vatican, the Pope urged everyone to pray for peace in Ukraine.

He remarked, "We must not forget the children of Ukraine." So many children suffer from conflict, and they also experience injustice in other parts of the world.

In the Paul VI Hall, where the audience was gathered, he pointed to a Ukrainian flag with the word "peace" inscribed on it.

“If the Lord gives us this joy to celebrate Christmas like this, all together, in peace, let us also think of those who suffer and let us pray together for them.”, Pope Francis remarked.

Separately, at the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis prayed once more for peace in Ukraine and for all those enduring the terrible violence.

He added, “We ask the Virgin Mary… to touch the hearts of those who can put a stop to the war in Ukraine. Let us not forget the suffering of those people, especially of children, the elderly, and those who are ill. Let us pray, pray for them!”
-VN