Pope Francis calls on heads of state around the world to end hostilities. Urges "a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine" Urges political leaders to "spare no effort to combat the scourge of human trafficking" Pope: "War is always an absurdity and a defeat! Let us not let the winds of war blow ever stronger across Europe and the Mediterranean" He also renews his call for the release of Israeli hostages and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
in his Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis gave a vast overview of conflicts in the world, including Ukraine and Gaza.