Following a series of incidents where UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon came under fire from the Israeli army, Pope Francis has made an urgent appeal for respect towards the troops. At least four UN peacekeepers were reported injured in recent attacks, prompting Pope’s plea for their protection.

In a broader message, Pope Francis once again called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, urging all parties involved to pursue diplomacy and dialogue as the only paths to achieving lasting peace. He has been consistently calling for an end to the violence in the region since October 2023, longer than almost any other world leader.

"War is an illusion," Pope Francis emphasized. "It will never bring peace, it will never bring security. It is a defeat for everyone, especially for those who believe themselves invincible." Pope expressed his prayers for the victims of the conflict, including the displaced and the hostages, calling for their immediate release. He also prayed for an end to the "great and needless suffering" caused by hatred and revenge.

Turning his attention to other ongoing global conflicts, Pope Francis addressed the war in Ukraine, appealing to the international community to ensure that Ukrainians are not left to "freeze to death" during the approaching winter months. He strongly condemned the continued air strikes on civilian populations, stating, "No more killing of innocents!"

Pope also highlighted the dire situation in Haiti, where extreme gang violence and poverty have claimed many lives. Just last week, an armed gang attacked a small town, killing around 70 people, including children. Pope Francis urged the world not to forget the suffering of the Haitian people, calling for an end to violence and for global efforts to support peace and reconciliation in the country.

As part of his message, Pope Francis pointed to an upcoming event, "One Million Children Praying the Rosary for Peace," organized by Aid to the Church in Need. He invited all to join in prayer, entrusting to the intercession of the Virgin Mary the tormented peoples of Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan, and all those enduring war, violence, and hardship.

With his heartfelt calls for peace and his ongoing prayers for the world's most afflicted regions, Pope Francis continues to advocate for justice, compassion, and unity in the face of conflict and suffering.