标签： Europe

In a momentous Christmas address delivered from the Vatican, Pope Leo issued a powerful and impassioned plea for global peace, directly confronting the multitude of armed conflicts currently plaguing humanity. The pontiff’s traditional annual message, typically focused on hope and renewal, took on a markedly urgent tone this year as he decried what he characterized as a ‘forgotten Christmas’ for countless victims of warfare.

The Pope’s homily specifically highlighted the devastating impacts on civilian populations, particularly children, who he stated are bearing the brunt of violence in regions spanning from the Middle East to Africa and Eastern Europe. Framing his message within the context of the Christmas story itself—a narrative of a family seeking refuge—Pope Leo drew stark parallels to contemporary displacement crises, emphasizing the moral imperative to protect the most vulnerable.

Moving beyond general appeals, the address contained a explicit call for immediate ceasefires and the resumption of diplomatic negotiations in active conflict zones. The spiritual leader emphasized that true peace extends beyond mere absence of violence, encompassing instead the active pursuit of justice, humanitarian access, and respect for international law. He urged world leaders to prioritize human dignity over political ambitions and weaponry, labeling the pursuit of peace as humanity’s ‘most noble and necessary endeavor.’

The message concluded with a call to action for both individuals and nations, encouraging concrete gestures of solidarity and a renewed commitment to building what he termed a ‘fraternal world where disagreements are resolved through dialogue, not destruction.’

In his inaugural Christmas Day address since ascending to the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful plea for international peace and reconciliation from St. Peter’s Square. The pontiff specifically called upon Ukraine and Russia to demonstrate courage by initiating sincere, direct negotiations to terminate their prolonged conflict.

During the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Leo emphasized that cessation of hostilities requires “the support and commitment of the international community” alongside diplomatic courage from both warring nations. His appeal emerges amid ongoing US-mediated negotiations seeking an acceptable resolution to the conflict, though direct talks between Kyiv and Moscow remain elusive in current diplomatic efforts.

The Pope’s concerns extended beyond Eastern Europe, addressing recent deadly border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia despite July’s ceasefire agreement. He urged these Southeast Asian nations to restore their “ancient friendship” through concerted efforts toward reconciliation.

Earlier during Christmas Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff reflected on global humanitarian crises, particularly highlighting the plight of homeless populations worldwide. He drew parallels between the nativity story’s fragile tent and the inadequate shelters in Gaza, where approximately 2.1 million Palestinians endure winter storms amidst rubble and destruction from the ongoing conflict with Israel.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with aid agencies urgently requesting increased supplies of tents and essential materials. Israeli authorities controlling border crossings have denied allegations of deliberate aid restrictions, claiming delivery of nearly 310,000 tents and tarpaulins since October’s ceasefire commenced.

In his inaugural Christmas Day homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message from St. Peter’s Basilica, drawing poignant parallels between the biblical narrative of Christ’s birth and contemporary global suffering. Addressing thousands of congregants beneath the basilica’s ornate balustrade, adorned with seasonal poinsettias and floral garlands, the pontiff specifically highlighted the plight of Gaza’s civilians enduring harsh winter conditions.

The Pope’s address transformed the traditional Christmas message into a profound commentary on modern conflicts. ‘We cannot ignore the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold,’ Leo declared, extending his concern to refugees worldwide and urban homeless populations. His homily meticulously connected the Christian story of God assuming fragile human form in a Bethlehem manger with the vulnerability of displaced persons across continents.

Leo XIV offered sharp criticism of military conflicts, referencing ‘defenseless populations tried by so many wars’ and young soldiers confronting the ‘senselessness of what is asked of them.’ He characterized military recruitment rhetoric as ‘falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.’

The pontiff presented dialogue as the singular solution to global strife, asserting that peace only emerges ‘when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other.’ The Mass attracted thousands of faithful who gathered despite steady rainfall, many documenting the historic occasion with smartphones.

This Christmas celebration concludes the Holy Year observances, scheduled to officially terminate on January 6th, the Epiphany holiday commemorating the biblical visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus.

Turkish authorities have commenced technical examination of the flight recorders recovered from the catastrophic private jet accident that claimed eight lives, including Libya’s senior western military commander. The Turkish Defense Ministry confirmed Thursday that investigative procedures are advancing through collaborative efforts with Libyan officials.

The ill-fated aircraft, carrying General Muhammad Ali Ahmad al-Haddad alongside four additional military representatives and three flight crew members, went down shortly after departure from Ankara on Tuesday. Initial assessments from Libyan authorities indicate potential technical failures as the probable cause of the tragedy.

The high-ranking delegation was returning to Tripoli following strategic defense discussions in the Turkish capital focused on enhancing military coordination between the two nations. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that debris from the crash site spanned approximately three square kilometers, significantly impeding recovery operations.

A 22-member team from Libya, comprising five relatives of the victims, arrived early Wednesday to participate in the investigation process. The multinational cooperation underscores the significance of the incident within international military and diplomatic circles.

Turkish security forces have successfully dismantled an extensive Islamic State network that was actively planning coordinated attacks during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. In a sweeping counterterrorism operation across Istanbul, authorities apprehended 115 suspected ISIS operatives while pursuing an additional 22 individuals still at large.

The massive intelligence-driven operation targeted 124 separate locations throughout Turkey’s largest city, resulting in the seizure of significant weapon caches including firearms, ammunition, and critical organizational documents. According to Istanbul’s Chief Prosecutor, the detained suspects maintained active communication channels with ISIS leadership operating outside Turkish borders.

Investigators revealed the terrorist cell specifically planned to target non-Muslim communities and religious gatherings during the holiday period. This security operation represents one of the most comprehensive counterterrorism efforts in recent years against ISIS infrastructure within Turkey.

The crackdown occurs amidst heightened regional tensions following the recent killing of three American personnel—two soldiers and a civilian interpreter—in an ISIS-ambush earlier this month. In response, the United States conducted a series of airstrikes against ISIS positions across Syria last Friday.

Turkey’s geographic position remains particularly vulnerable to terrorist infiltration due to its 900-kilometer (560-mile) border with Syria, where ISIS maintains active cells in certain regions. President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, maintaining close ties with the Turkish government, has committed to collaborative efforts with Western nations to eliminate remaining ISIS elements in the region.

Turkish security agencies continue regular operations against suspected ISIS affiliates, reflecting the ongoing threat posed by the organization despite its territorial defeats in previous years.