17 Oct 2026
Pope: May Armenia and Azerbaijan draw closer to definitive peace
Pope Francis delivered the traditional Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) message and blessing on Monday.
He prayed for world peace and called for every effort to stop violence and help those who are suffering, Vatican News reported.
"May Armenia and Azerbaijan draw closer to a definitive peace", he prayed, especially through humanitarian outreach and the return of refugees to their homes in security and with respect for religious traditions and places of worship.
The pope called for peace between Israel and Palestinians, and for the conflict to be resolved “through sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties, sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.”
"Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world," Francis said to some 6,500 faithful who attended the traditional service.
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