The Hill

Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine, Gaza: ‘A negotiated peace is better than a war without end’

In an interview with CBS News, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of negotiating peace in ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza. He called on all countries involved in wars to stop fighting and seek peace through negotiation. The Pope has been vocal in his appeals for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and the protection of civilians in Gaza. He shared his daily evening calls with a parish in Gaza, where 600 people provide updates about the challenging situation, including the struggle for food. Pope Francis has expressed his willingness to pray and help facilitate peace talks between Hamas and Israel. The Pope also spoke about the impact of the war on children, emphasizing the loss of their ability to smile and the lasting effects of war on their lives. His message to Russian President Vladimir Putin was to end the war in Ukraine and pursue peaceful negotiations.