Pope Francis Calls for Dialogue to Prevent World War

On Thursday, Pope Francis expressed grave concern about the growing threat of a world war during a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors to the Holy See. The Catholic Pontiff urged diplomats to engage in dialogue, even with those who may be difficult to communicate with, emphasizing that dialogue is essential for breaking the cycles of hatred and revenge that fuel wars.

He highlighted that dialogue is the only way to mitigate the destructive forces of human selfishness, pride, and arrogance—the roots of war. In his message, the Pope reiterated his hope for the end of the war in Ukraine and made a renewed call for a ceasefire in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The 88-year-old Pope also addressed the peril of fake news, warning that it not only distorts facts but also shapes false perceptions. “This phenomenon generates false images of reality, creating a climate of suspicion, promoting hate, eroding security, and destabilizing nations,” he said.

Since becoming Pope in 2013, Francis has not only led over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide but also serves as the head of Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world. Vatican City maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries.