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.
US and Ukrainian officials have begun talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to explore the possibility of a peace deal with Russia, with Ukraine proposing a partial ceasefire to regain US support.
Russian and U.S. diplomats will meet in Istanbul to discuss diplomatic disputes, seen as a step toward ending the Ukraine war. Talks follow recent Putin-Trump discussions, with business ties and ceasefire prospects on the agenda.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signaled his readiness to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a postwar peacekeeping force, emphasizing the need for lasting stability in the region
Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister of Afghanistan, met with Qatar's Prime Minister to discuss Afghanistan’s challenges. The Qatari leader reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to supporting the country's stability and humanitarian needs.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland and Turkey will work together to promote stability in Syria, emphasizing a united effort to address the ongoing conflict and its regional impacts.
A Russian court fined journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova 600,000 roubles for "justifying terrorism" over a Telegram post about the Taliban. Arrested in May 2024, she maintains her innocence.
Cases in Europe are expected to rise in the coming months, the ECDC warned, citing seasonal trends and low vaccination rates. With over 32,000 cases reported in the past year—mostly in Romania—health officials stress the urgent need for higher immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
Italy’s League party urges the government to favour Starlink over French-led Eutelsat for satellite communication systems, citing Starlink's technological edge. The push comes amid delays in the EU’s IRIS² program, as Italy seeks secure communication solutions for officials.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland and Turkey will work together to promote stability in Syria, emphasizing a united effort to address the ongoing conflict and its regional impacts.
A Russian court fined journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova 600,000 roubles for "justifying terrorism" over a Telegram post about the Taliban. Arrested in May 2024, she maintains her innocence.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has announced that Poland and Turkey will work together to promote stability in Syria, emphasizing a united effort to address the ongoing conflict and its regional impacts.
A Russian court fined journalist Nadezhda Kevorkova 600,000 roubles for "justifying terrorism" over a Telegram post about the Taliban. Arrested in May 2024, she maintains her innocence.
Cases in Europe are expected to rise in the coming months, the ECDC warned, citing seasonal trends and low vaccination rates. With over 32,000 cases reported in the past year—mostly in Romania—health officials stress the urgent need for higher immunization to prevent further outbreaks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment