By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis has once again called for peace, decrying the ongoing conflicts around the world during his Wednesday General Audience. The pontiff specifically mentioned the dire situation in Palestine, describing the attacks on the region as “inhumane” and urging the global community not to turn a blind eye to the suffering there.
While addressing the congregation, Pope Francis also spoke about the devastating human toll of the war in Ukraine. Referring to recent statistics, he called the number of deaths “terrible.” Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that the combined Ukrainian and Russian fatalities had reached one million, with over 12,000 Ukrainian civilians killed in June alone.
“War is a defeat from the very beginning,” the Pope stated. “It does not forgive.” He called for prayers for peace, urging people not to forget the suffering in Myanmar, Israel, Palestine, and all other nations engulfed in war.
The Pope’s appeal coincided with reports from the United Nations on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where no food has entered since October 2, and supplies are dangerously low.
Additionally, Pope Francis lamented the global arms trade, noting that it has become one of the most profitable industries. “This is a statistic that should frighten us,” he said, pointing out that the arms trade was valued at nearly 100 billion euros in 2021.
The Pope’s message served as a powerful reminder of the immense human cost of conflict and the urgent need for peace in war-torn regions worldwide.
