Pope Francis delivered his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday, urging for an end to violence in conflict zones across the globe. Speaking to thousands gathered at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, the pontiff emphasized the urgent need for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan while drawing attention to the critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

In his "Urbi et Orbi" ("to the city and the world") address to the Catholic faithful worldwide, the 88-year-old pontiff called for peace negotiations in Ukraine.

"May the sound of arms be silenced in war-torn Ukraine," Pope Francis said, his voice strained but resolute. "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 pope also addressed the dire situation in Gaza, urging for a ceasefire and the release of captives. He expressed his concern for the Christian communities in the region, particularly in Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated significantly.

"I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave. May there be a ceasefire, may the hostages be released and aid be given to the people worn out by hunger and by war," he said.

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The pontiff extended his plea for peace to Sudan, which has been gripped by a brutal civil war for nearly two years, leaving millions at risk of famine. He called on the international community to provide humanitarian assistance and to support efforts for a ceasefire.

"May the Son of the Most High sustain the efforts of the international community to facilitate access to humanitarian aid for the civilian population of Sudan and to initiate new negotiations for a ceasefire," he added.

Pope's peace plea

The pope has consistently advocated for a ceasefire in the embattled Strip. Reflecting on the scale of the ongoing genocide, he remarked that the war has become "too much."

In his annual Christmas message last year, Pope Francis says Israeli strikes are reaping an "appalling harvest" of innocent civilians in Gaza.

In a speech to thousands of people in the Vatican's St. Basilica, he said, "How many innocents are being slaughtered in our world? In their mothers’ wombs, in odysseys undertaken in desperation and search of hope, and in the lives of all those little ones whose childhood has been devastated by war. They are the little Jesuses of today."

"May peace come in Israel and Palestine, where war is devastating the lives of those people. I embrace them all, particularly the Christian communities of Gaza and the entire Holy Land."

"I plead for an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims and call for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation by opening the provision of humanitarian aid."

Read more: Pope slams 'cruelty' of Israeli strike killing Gaza children