Lviv: As the Christmas season approaches, Pope Francis has cautioned that “if humanity becomes desensitized and indifferent to the horrors of war, we all suffer defeat.”

Following the Angelus on December 1st, the Pope expressed hope that the recent ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, ending 13 months of conflict, might inspire a broader cessation of hostilities. “May this glimmer of peace lead to ceasefires on all other fronts,” he said.

Turning his attention to Lebanon, the Pope urged its citizens to elect a president without delay. He emphasized the importance of restoring institutional functionality, implementing necessary reforms, and ensuring Lebanon continues to serve as a model of interfaith harmony.

However, the fragile ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel is already under strain, with both sides accusing the other of violations, including reports of an Israeli airstrike on a Hezbollah site a day after the agreement.

Pope Francis also addressed conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Ukraine, expressing his concern for the humanitarian crises they have caused. He called for the release of Israeli hostages and reiterated the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach the beleaguered Palestinian population.

As winter looms, the Pope highlighted the plight of displaced people in Ukraine, where nearly three years of war have compounded the hardships of freezing temperatures. He described the combination of war and cold as “tragic” and called on the international community to prioritize efforts to end the conflict, urging “dialogue, fraternity, and reconciliation.”

With the advent season beginning, Pope Francis called for renewed commitment to aiding those in war-torn regions. He reminded the faithful that “the pursuit of peace is not the responsibility of a few but of everyone.” He warned that allowing indifference to war’s devastation to take hold would mark a collective defeat for humanity.

The Pope also commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Peace and Friendship Treaty between Argentina and Chile, which resolved a territorial dispute through the Holy See’s mediation under Pope John Paul II. He held this as an example of the power of dialogue over violence, stating, “When we renounce the use of arms and choose to engage in dialogue, we are on the right path.”