New Delhi: Pope Francis in his annual Christmas Day message from the Vatica called for an end to the "senseless war" in Ukraine. He condemned what he said was the use of "food as a weapon" of war. He also said the world is suffering from a “famine of peace”, as reported by BBC. It was Pope Francis' 10th Christmas Day address since he assumed the papacy.
The prices of wheat have saw an increase since Russia invaded Ukraine. The war-torn country has shipped about 30% of the world's wheat
The Ukraine-Russia war occupied a major part of his 10-minute speech. He also spoke about "a grave famine of peace also in other regions and other theatres of this Third World War". He singled out conflicts and humanitarian crises in the Middle East, Myanmar, Haiti, and the Sahel region of Africa.
The pontiff also prayed for "reconciliation" in Iran, where mass anti-government protests swept the country for over three months. The demonstrations have been met by a crackdown, with more than 500 people, including 69 children, killed, human rights groups say.
Speaking from a balcony at the basilica overlooking St Peter's Square, the 86-year-old Pope lamented the human cost of war. He urged not to forget those "who go hungry while huge amounts of food daily go to waste and resources are being spent on weapons".
"The war in Ukraine has further aggravated this situation, putting entire peoples at risk of famine, especially in Afghanistan and in the countries of the Horn of Africa," he said, as quoted by BBC.
"We know that every war causes hunger and exploits food as a weapon, hindering its distribution to people already suffering." The Pope said "those who hold political responsibilities" should lead the way to make food "solely an instrument of peace", BBC reported. His message was followed by the customary Urbi et Orbi (To the City and to the World) blessing, recited in Latin and traditionally in many other languages as well.
(With BBC Inputs)