In his annual “State of the World” address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis reflects on the conflicts and divisions ravaging the world and highlights the responsibility of individuals and nations to foster peace, Vatican News reports.
Greeting the ambassadors from throughout the globe accredited to the Holy See on Monday, 8 January 2024, he expressed deep concern about the escalating conflicts worldwide and described the current state of affairs as a “third world war fought piecemeal” openly addressing specific geopolitical crises.
The Pope recalled almost two years of large-scale war between Russia and Ukraine that has resulted in “great numbers of victims and massive destruction” and the situation in the South Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the dramatic situation of refugees.
In both instances, he called for negotiations, in respect for international law and for religious diversity.
