Pope denounces arms industry in Christmas appeal
ROME — Pope Francis on Monday blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that fuel wars as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world — in particular, between Israel and Palestinians.
Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to the throngs gathered below, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” by Hamas against southern Israel on Oct. 7 and called for the release of hostages. He also begged for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” as he called for humanitarian aid to reach those in need.
In devoting his Christmas blessing to a call for peace around the world, Francis noted that the biblical story of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem sent such a message. But this year, he said, Bethlehem “is a place of sorrow and silence.”
Francis’ annual “Urbi et Orbi” (“To the City and the World”) speech typically offers a lament of the miseries facing the world, and this year’s edition was no different. Citing hostilities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, South Sudan, Congo and the Korean peninsula, Francis appealed for humanitarian initiatives, dialogue and security to prevail over violence and death.
He called for governments and people of goodwill in the Americas in particular to address the “troubling phenomenon” of migration and its “unscrupulous traffickers” who take advantage of innocents who are simply looking for a better life.
He took particular aim at the weapons industry, which he said was fueling the conflicts around the globe, with scarcely anyone paying attention.
“It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war,” he said. “And how can we even speak of peace when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?”
Francis has frequently blasted the weapons industry as “merchants of death” and has said that wars today — particularly the one in Ukraine — are being used to try out new weapons or deplete old stockpiles.
He 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.”
Vatican officials said about 70,000 people filled St. Peter’s Square for Francis’ noonday speech and blessing. Many attendees carried Palestinian flags; some had Ukrainian ones.
Francis’ address from the loggia marked his main appearance for Christmas Day, though he is expected to deliver a blessing on Tuesday, the feast of St. Stephen, a holiday in Italy. Rounding out the holiday season, he is to celebrate a New Year’s Eve vigil in the basilica and Mass the following day.
Despite his recent bout of bronchitis, the 87-year-old Francis appeared to hold up well Monday and during Christmas Eve Mass, though he occasionally coughed and seemed out of breath.