Pope Francis called for “arms to be silenced” around the world in his Christmas address. He appealed for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan as he denounced the “extremely grave” humanitarian situation in Gaza. His traditional address to the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics called for talks for a just peace in Ukraine. He also drew attention to the citation in Gaza.
The Pontiff said, “I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave,” to the thousands gathered in front of St Peter’s Basilica for the “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and the world”) speech. He went on to say “May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war.”
Commenting on this conflict has landed the Pope in hot water. Recently, Pope Francis unveiled a Nativity Scene with a controversial message in the Vatican’s Paul IV hall. The wooden figure of baby Jesus is lying on a keffiyeh, a traditional Palestinian scarf seen as a national symbol of Palestine. This installation is one of a series of nativity scenes designed by the Palestinian artists Johny Andonia and Faten Nastas Mitwasi.
The Pope extolled his audience to “…remember the brothers and sisters who, instead, right there and in other parts of the world, are suffering from the tragedy of war. With tears in our eyes, let us raise our prayer for peace. Brothers and sisters, enough war, enough violence!” He addressed the Palestinian dignitaries in attendance who the IDF has condemned.
He welcomed “the representation of the Embassy of the State of Palestine, tormented Palestine, which has come to present, on behalf of the City of Bethlehem, this ‘Nativity,’ created by the craftsmen of Bethlehem.” PLO executive committee member Ramzi Khouri, conveyed “warm greetings” from Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Other representatives of the Palestinian diaspora were also present at the ceremony.
The Pope has strongly opposed the actions of the State of Israel multiple times since the start of the Israel-Hamas War. Francis stated, “ According to some experts, what is happening in Gaza has the characteristics of a genocide.” He also asked for a “careful investigation” of Israeli military actions. He has previously described the behavior of the IDF as “a massacre” and ” terrorism.”
The Wall Street Journal, which is a strong supporter of Israel, strongly criticized the Pope’s views. In a written response, the WSJ editors remarked “There is something disturbing about a pope accusing Jews — the victims of genocide themselves — of genocide while they are fighting for survival on several fronts against enemies aiming to destroy them.”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said “Cruelty is when terrorists hide behind children while attempting to murder Israeli children; cruelty is when 100 hostages, including a baby and children, are held and mistreated by terrorists for 442 days… Unfortunately, the pope has chosen to ignore all of this.” He also complained, “Enough with the double standards and the singling out of the Jewish state and its people.”