Pope wishes Ukrainians peace in his Christmas message

Pope Francis, in his traditional Christmas Day message delivered from St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, wished peace to the people of Ukraine.

The text of the pontiff's message has been published on the Vatican News website, Ukrinform reports.

The Pope called on everyone to "see the faces of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters" who are experiencing darkness and cold this year, many far away from home due to ten months of war devastation.

"May the Lord inspire us to offer concrete gestures of solidarity to assist all those who are suffering, and may he enlighten the minds of those who have the power to silence the thunder of weapons and put an immediate end to this senseless war!" Pope Francis said.

Recalling how Bethlehem means "house of bread," the Pope called on everyone to remember children who go hungry today while so much food is wasted and resources are spent instead on weapons. He pointed out how the war in Ukraine has worsened the reality of world hunger, especially in Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, facing widespread famine.

He lamented how wars can use food as a weapon by making distribution difficult to people already suffering.

"On this day, let us learn from the Prince of Peace and, starting with those who hold political responsibilities, commit ourselves to making food solely an instrument of peace," the Pope said.