Pope Francis appeals for 'a just peace' for nations at war

By Linda Bordoni

Appealing, yet again, for attention and prayers for peoples across the globe who are subjected to war and are suffering its consequences, Pope Francis said, “Let us not forget martyred Ukraine and let us think of the Palestinian and Israeli peoples: may the Lord bring a just peace.”

“There is so much suffering,” he said, as he neared the end of his weekly General Audience.

“Children are suffering; the sick are suffering, and many young people are dying,” the Pope continued. “War is always a defeat. Let us not forget: War is always a defeat.”

Frequent appeals for peace

Pope Francis has made constant appeals for peace and for negotiated solutions to conflicts across the world, never neglecting to mention and to pray for those suffering from violence and displacement in Ukraine since the Russian invasion over 18 months ago.

He has also made reiterated appeals for a ceasefire, for the release of hostages, and for the entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip, since the beginning of violent hostilities between Hamas and Israel on 7 October 2023.