The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, expressed grave concern on Thursday over the “increasingly concrete threat of a world war” during a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See.
He called on diplomats to engage in dialogue, even with difficult counterparts, emphasizing that dialogue is the sole means to break the chains of hatred and vengeance.
This approach, he noted, could help defuse the destructive forces rooted in human selfishness, pride, and arrogance, which drive wars.
The 88-year-old pontiff also shared his hopes for 2025, particularly wishing for the end of the war in Ukraine.
He reiterated his appeal for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Pope Francis also warned about the growing dangers of fake news, stressing that it not only distorts facts but also reshapes perceptions.
“This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,” he explained.
Since 2013, Pope Francis has served as the spiritual leader for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and the head of Vatican City State, the world’s smallest country, which maintains diplomatic ties with 184 nations.
The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, expressed grave concern on Thursday over the “increasingly concrete threat of a world war” during a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See.
He called on diplomats to engage in dialogue, even with difficult counterparts, emphasizing that dialogue is the sole means to break the chains of hatred and vengeance.
This approach, he noted, could help defuse the destructive forces rooted in human selfishness, pride, and arrogance, which drive wars.
The 88-year-old pontiff also shared his hopes for 2025, particularly wishing for the end of the war in Ukraine.
He reiterated his appeal for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Pope Francis also warned about the growing dangers of fake news, stressing that it not only distorts facts but also reshapes perceptions.
“This phenomenon generates false images of reality, a climate of suspicion that foments hate, undermines people’s sense of security and compromises civil coexistence and the stability of entire nations,” he explained.
Since 2013, Pope Francis has served as the spiritual leader for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide and the head of Vatican City State, the world’s smallest country, which maintains diplomatic ties with 184 nations.
