Pope Francis has delivered a Christmas message calling for an immediate halt to fighting around the world. He encouraged all people and nations to "silence the sound of arms and overcome divisions."
.
The Pope delivered the traditional address to people gathered in the Vatican's St. Peter's Square on Wednesday.

As for the deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the Pope said, "May there be a ceasefire, may the hostage be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war."

For Ukraine, the Pope said, "May there be the boldness needed to open the door to negotiation and to gestures of dialogue and encounter, in order to achieve a just and lasting peace."

The phrase is a metaphor of the opening of the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica on Christmas Eve this year. He reflected his hope for the situation in Ukraine in the phrase.

The Holy Door is only opened during special periods.