Prior to offering his blessing "urbi et orbi," Francis prayed for peace in Ukraine, the Holy Land, Lebanon and Syria, and in Africa.

As Hannukah and Christmas coincide, pontiff uses his annual 'Urbi et Orbi' address to urge 'all peoples and nations... to silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions'

Pope Francis called for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as for the release of hostages, adding aid needs to be given to the people “worn out by hunger and by war.”