Pope сalls for сeasefire on all fronts before Christmas

The Pope addresses the faithful. Photo: Vatican News

Pope Francis has called for a Christmas ceasefire on all fronts worldwide, Vatican News reports.

"Let us continue to pray for peace in suffering Ukraine, the Middle East – in Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and now Syria – in Myanmar, South Sudan, and everywhere people suffer from war and violence," the pontiff said. He appealed to leaders and the international community to facilitate ceasefire on all war fronts before the Christmas holiday.

He also called for prayers for those on death row in the United States, expressing hope for changes to their sentences.

"Let us pray that their sentences may be commuted or changed. Let us think of these brothers and sisters of ours and ask the Lord for the grace to save them from death," the Pope added.

As previously reported by the UOJ, for the first time in history, the Vatican will host an event dedicated to LGBT advocacy.

Read also

UOC hierarch leads funeral service for Kyiv Eparchy priest killed at front

Metropolitan Augustine conducted the funeral service for Archpriest Viacheslav Lytvynenko, a longtime military chaplain.

Orthodox youth from across Ukraine meet in Kyiv

The UOC meetup brought participants from different eparchies to the capital for live fellowship and dialogue on spiritual topics.

Khmelnytskyi Eparchy choir performs hymn by Patriarch Ilia

The choir of the Khmelnytskyi Eparchy performed a sacred work by Patriarch Ilia on the day commemorating his repose.

Metropolitan Shio: Patriarch Ilia II’s love became a source of faith and hope

In Georgia, Metropolitan Shio said in his sermon on the 40th day after Patriarch Ilia II’s repose that his love and ministry became a source of faith, hope, and spiritual renewal for the people.

Orthodox Christians in U.S.: “War on Faith” bill ignores persecution of UOC

The St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco Society has accused Congressmen Joe Wilson and Don Bacon of “double standards” in drafting a religious freedom bill concerning Ukraine.

UOC Social Department in Kyiv delivers aid to 100 displaced families

In Kyiv, displaced families received humanitarian aid, food and household packages, as well as Paschal greetings from the UOC Social Department.