In his annual Christmas message, Pope Francis delivered a powerful call for peace and hope, emphasizing the transformative joy that the birth of Jesus brings to the world. From the iconic Saint Peter's Basilica,  Pope greeted the crowds in Saint Peter's Square during the traditional midday "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Christmas Day.

Addressing the challenges faced by the world, Pope Francis drew attention to the current times marked by "sorrow and silence." Despite the shadows covering Bethlehem today, he highlighted the enduring flame of God's light that dispels darkness, offering hope and renewal to hearts. Pope described the birth of Jesus as a "sure promise of an unprecedented gift," providing the hope of being born for heaven and becoming children of God.

In his message, Pope Francis expressed concern for the innocent victims of today, including those in their mothers' wombs and children affected by the devastating impact of war. He urged a collective effort to say "yes" to peace and "no" to war, emphasizing that every war represents a defeat without victors.

Pope passionately called for an end to violence in the Holy Land, particularly in Israel and Palestine, expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and the Christian communities in the region. He pleaded for an end to military operations, humanitarian aid for Gaza, and a resolution to the Palestinian question through sincere dialogue.

Turning his attention to global conflicts, Pope Francis prayed for peace in war-torn nations such as Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Ukraine, and regions like the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and reconciliation in resolving tensions and fostering lasting peace.

In a global context,  Pope called for common efforts in the Americas to address social and political conflicts, alleviate poverty, and protect vulnerable populations, including children and migrants. He urged a sense of solidarity and compassion for those who suffer from lack of basic needs.

Pope Francis concluded his Christmas message by looking ahead to the Jubilee of 2025 as a season of grace and hope, emphasizing the need for a collective rejection of war and the embrace of peace. He called on people to open their hearts to Jesus, Prince of Peace, and respond to the Lord's call to bring good news and liberty to those in need.

In a world facing numerous challenges, Pope Francis's Christmas message resonates as a call to action for global peace, compassion, and solidarity, encouraging individuals to embrace the transformative power of hope and joy.