Pope Francis: A negotiated peace is better than an endless war

Pope Francis speaks with CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell on April 24, 2024. Photo: cbsnews.com

Pope Francis called for peace worldwide amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Gaza Strip. The pontiff stated on Wednesday, April 24, to CBS News that "a negotiated peace is better than a war without end."

"Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to negotiate. Look for peace," the pope, speaking through a translator, told "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell during an hourlong interview at the guest house where he lives in Rome.

As noted by the publication, the Pope frequently speaks about war in his addresses. During the Easter Sunday Mass earlier this month, he called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine.

Asked whether he could help negotiate peace, he replied, "I can pray," and added, "I do. I pray a lot."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the Pope urged Italian schoolchildren to pray for Ukrainian children.

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