Vatican City: At the first General Audience of the 2024 Advent season, Pope Francis renewed his heartfelt plea for global peace, emphasizing the urgent need for prayer in the face of ongoing conflicts. “War is a human failure,” he affirmed, adding, “It does not solve problems but brings destruction.”

The Pope specifically remembered the suffering in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar, mourning the loss of countless innocent lives, including many children. “War is evil; it destroys,” he warned, urging the faithful to pray tirelessly. “Let us ask the Lord to lead us to peace,” he encouraged.

Highlighting Myanmar’s enduring crisis, three years after a military coup plunged the nation into turmoil, Pope Francis joined international voices calling for action. The UN Human Rights Council recently criticized the global response, urging stronger measures to protect civilians, noting the civilian death toll has surpassed 6,000.

Experts emphasized that international intervention has proven effective in limiting the military junta’s access to weapons, demonstrating that coordinated global efforts can make a difference in alleviating suffering.