Pope Francis blasted the weapons industry that fuel wars as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world.
Speaking from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel and called for the release of hostages.
He also called for an end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians” and urged that humanitarian aid reach those in need.
Francis devoted his Christmas Day blessing to a call for peace in the world, noting that the biblical story of the birth of Christ in Bethlehem sent a message of peace.
But he said that Bethlehem “is a place of sorrow and silence” this year.
He took particular aim at the weapons industry, which he said was fuelling the conflicts around the globe.
“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?”
