Pope Francis, in his Christmas address on Wednesday, called for an end to violence worldwide, urging "arms to be silenced" and appealing for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. He highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages, and aid for those suffering.

In his address to the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, the 88-year-old pontiff also condemned Russia’s Christmas morning missile attacks on Ukraine, which President Zelensky described as "inhumane." Francis further appealed for peace in Sudan, where prolonged civil war has left millions at risk of famine.

Meanwhile, Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, the traditional birthplace of Jesus, were subdued due to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Mayor Anton Salman noted a scaled-back celebration as the region mourns the devastation.

Elsewhere, Christians in Gaza and Damascus expressed their anguish over war and persecution. In Gaza, where over 1,100 Christians reside, prayers for peace were held amidst rubble and despair. In Syria, protests erupted following the burning of a Christmas tree in a rebel-held town.

Amid global tragedies, Pope Francis and other leaders, including King Charles III and Germany's President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, echoed calls for unity, healing, and peace on earth. Celebrations worldwide reflected a mix of resilience and sorrow, with moments of solidarity such as the Christmas dinner for thousands of homeless in Argentina and the reopening of Notre Dame for mass in Paris.