In his Christmas Day message, Pope Francis appealed for the silencing of arms and urged world leaders to foster dialogue to end ongoing conflicts, particularly highlighting the situations in Ukraine and Gaza. His remarks included a strong condemnation of violence against children and criticized the humanitarian crises in war-torn regions, marking a sombre tone under the shadows of global strife. The Pope expressed hope for a ‘lasting peace’ and called on nations to overcome divisions to create a better future, while also facing criticism from Israel for his denunciations of their actions in Gaza. The message serves as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and negotiation in these turbulent times.