In an interview with CBS, Pope Francis called for an end to the wars in Ukraine and Ghazi. He said that there is room for everyone in the Church, "There is always room, don't run away from the Church", he said.
Referring specifically to the ongoing wars in Ukraine, Gaza and others, Pope Francis said: “Please, countries at war, all… Stop the war. Try to negotiate. Seek peace. An agreed peace is better than an endless war".
The Pope, who has called on all countries at war to end hostilities and choose the path of negotiations, was asked to comment on the term "genocide" used by some in connection with the events in Gaza.
The Pope repeated that word and said that he maintains daily contact with that reality.
"I pray a lot for a cease-fire in Gaza," he said, recalling that every evening at 19:00 p.m. he calls the only Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip for information: "There are about 600 people there. And they tell me what's going on. It is very difficult. Very, very difficult. Food comes in, but they have to fight for it. It is very difficult".
Asked about the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on children, Pope Francis replied: "Those children don't know how to smile." I tell them something, but they forgot how he laughs. And that is very difficult when a child forgets to smile. It's really very serious."
On the occasion of World Children's Day, he said: "Children always carry a message." They carry a message. And that's the way to have a younger heart."
