Israel summoned the Vatican envoy to discuss Pope Francis' comments on Gaza airstrikes. The Pope described the airstrikes as cruel and urged for a Christmas ceasefire, which Israel criticised as ignoring Hamas' role in the conflict,

The pontiff's condemnation of atrocities in Gaza reveals an increasing anger over Israel's actions in the holy land

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.

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.”

He made the remarks a day after the start of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Year, known as a Jubilee, which takes place every quarter century. On Tuesday evening, Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica so that the first pilgrims could go through. Millions more are expected to follow over the year.

Pope Francis has called for a “negotiation” to end the war in Ukraine in a Christmas Day message where he appealed for weapons to be laid down in global conflicts and reconciliation between enemies.

The pope inaugurated the Catholic Church's historic 2025 Jubilee of "Hope" at the Vatican on Christmas Eve in traditional ceremonies before addressing thousands of Catholic faithful the next day.

Pope Francis reflected on the devastating consequences of the Gaza war in an address at the Vatican on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the bombing of children in the Gaza Strip the previous day.

A Palestinian television channel said an Israeli strike killed five of its journalists in the central Gaza Strip on Thursday, but the Israel Defense Forces said it targeted Islamic Jihad operatives posing as journalists.

Urbi et Orbi blessing, Pope Francis called for global peace, urging nations to unite in the Jubilee of Hope and address forgotten conflicts, including Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan, and Cyprus.