In a solemn Christmas address, Pope Francis called for courage to end wars, heal divisions, and bring hope to a world plagued by conflict and crisis, urging nations to embrace reconciliation during the Holy Year.
From the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis addressed thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, emphasising the need to silence the "sound of arms" in Ukraine and other conflict zones. He called for bold steps towards negotiation and lasting peace, highlighting humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.
The pontiff also turned attention to regions affected by political instability and armed violence, including Mali, Mozambique, and Haiti. He expressed concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging for a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken in October 2023.
Marking the beginning of the Holy Year, the pope invited people to "become pilgrims of hope," fostering reconciliation and dialogue. The Jubilee Year, running through January 2026, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome, symbolising peace and forgiveness.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are now conducting direct peace talks without Russian mediation, according to Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan. He told Armenian media that Moscow’s mediating role has ended and that direct dialogue is now seen as more effective.
The U.S. intends to reduce its involvement in mediating Russia-Ukraine talks, urging both sides to take the lead in resolving the conflict.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met Putin in Moscow to advance peace talks on Ukraine. This follows Trump’s criticism of a deadly Russian missile strike on Kyiv, but Trump remains optimistic about reaching a deal. Witkoff also met with Russia’s investment envoy, Dmitriev.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has met with Russian President Vladimir Putin for talks on reaching a peace deal over Ukraine.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has accused Vladimir Putin of making empty promises on a Ukraine ceasefire. Speaking at a Paris summit, he emphasized Europe’s role in supporting Ukraine and criticised Russia’s lack of commitment to peace talks, citing its reversal on a Black Sea ceasefire deal.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has shared a warning about a possible air attack that could happen in the next few days.
U.S. President Donald Trump had a "very good and productive" phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy on Thursday, according to the White House.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyau is trying out of “utter desperation” to disrupt the current indirect nuclear negotiations process between Iran and the United States.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has shared a warning about a possible air attack that could happen in the next few days.
U.S. President Donald Trump had a "very good and productive" phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy on Thursday, according to the White House.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
The United States, along with its European allies, is finalizing a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, with a strong warning that new sanctions will be imposed on Russia if the truce is not honored, according to a French diplomatic source on Friday.
The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has shared a warning about a possible air attack that could happen in the next few days.
U.S. President Donald Trump had a "very good and productive" phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy on Thursday, according to the White House.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to unveil fresh sanctions targeting up to 100 Russian oil tankers used to evade international restrictions, in a bid to cut off funding for Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Nethanyau is trying out of “utter desperation” to disrupt the current indirect nuclear negotiations process between Iran and the United States.
China has agreed to send its top economic official for rare trade talks with the U.S. in Geneva, as deepening economic troubles and geopolitical frictions force Beijing back to the negotiating table.
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