In front of a St. Peter's Square decked out for Christmas, 25,000 pilgrims listened to Pope Francis' address. After almost two weeks of illness, the Pope was able to pray the Angelus from the balcony of the papal apartments.
In his message, he recalled that December 10 marked the anniversary of a worldwide pledge.
POPE FRANCIS
75 years ago on December 10, 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was signed. It is like a highway on which many steps have been taken but many still remain, and sometimes, unfortunately, we go backwards.
Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with those who have fought for the rights of the most vulnerable. For example, prisoners of war.
POPE FRANCIS
And—speaking of human rights—civilians, hospitals, places of worship must be protected, hostages freed and humanitarian aid guaranteed. Let us not forget suffering Ukraine, Palestine, Israel.
During his speech, the Pope ecnouraged everyone to pray for the fruits of the COP28 climate change summit as it enters its final stage.
PA
TR: KG
