On Thursday, Pope Francis urged for global dialogue to prevent the outbreak of a world war, expressing his concern over the escalating threat during a New Year’s reception for foreign ambassadors. The Catholic leader encouraged diplomats to communicate, even with those who are difficult to engage. He emphasized that dialogue is essential to breaking the cycles of hatred and revenge, as well as reducing the destructive forces of human selfishness, pride, and arrogance—the underlying causes of war. The Pope expressed his hope for the end of the war in Ukraine by 2025 and reiterated his call for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict. The 88-year-old pontiff also warned about the dangers of fake news, which distorts reality, creates a climate of suspicion, fuels hatred, undermines security, and threatens civil coexistence and national stability. According to DAILY POST, Pope Francis has been leading approximately 1.4 billion Catholics globally and serves as the head of Vatican City State since 2013. Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, maintains diplomatic relations with 184 countries.
