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

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 delivered his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the world at midday on Christmas day. Watch the most solemn blessing of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis has told Vatican bureaucrats to stop speaking ill of one another, calling gossip "an evil that destroys social life."

Pope Francis gave his traditional Christmas Day blessing and address to the world this morning from his balcony at St. Peter's Basilica, after striking a somber tone at last night's Christmas Eve Mass.

Pope Francis's Christmas message urged peace in war-torn areas, highlighting Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan's humanitarian crises.

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