Pope Francis demands an end to civilian attacks in war zones
"Enough of attacking civilians," said Pope Francis on Sunday during a meeting with the faithful at the Angelus prayer in Vatican City. He appealed to the international community to take decisive actions to ensure that humanitarian law is respected in conflict-affected areas.
Francis called for prayers for peace in places such as Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Myanmar, and Sudan. He emphasized that the international community should act decisively to ensure that humanitarian law is respected in conflicts.
"War is always a defeat"
"No more striking schools, hospitals; no more hitting workplaces! Let us not forget that war is always a defeat!" he added, addressing the thousands gathered at noon in St. Peter's Square.
During his reflections before the midday prayer, Francis highlighted the world's need for light, hope, and peace. He remarked that people often find themselves in complex situations, and resolving them seems almost impossible.
The Pope promoted a "spiral of light" across various areas, including family, social, and international relations. He called for empathy toward those suffering and the practice of forgiveness, compassion, and reconciliation. He underscored the significance of these efforts, particularly during the recently commenced Holy Year, urging everyone to spread hope through small but meaningful actions that positively impact life.