Pope Leo XIV on Sunday lamented escalating violence in Iran and Syria and renewed his appeal for peace in Ukraine, while also offering a special blessing for children receiving baptism and praying for those born into \u201cdifficult circumstances.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking after the Angelus on Jan. 11, the pope said: \u201cMy thoughts turn to the situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria, where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives.\u201d He added: \u201cI hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pope\u2019s remarks came amid unrest in Tehran, where anti-government protests that began about two weeks ago have left more than 70 people dead, according to human rights organizations.<\/p>\n
After the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV lamented escalating violence in Iran, especially in Tehran with anti-government protests, and renewed fighting in Syria, citing clashes in Aleppo that have killed civilians and displaced families. He again appealed for peace in Ukraine, warning\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/YU0bp4nM78<\/p>\n
He also pointed to renewed fighting in Syria, where international media reports say clashes have erupted in Aleppo between the interim government\u2019s army and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces over control of neighborhoods in the city center. At least 14 civilians have been killed, with dozens injured and tens of thousands displaced, according to those reports.<\/p>\n
Turning to the war in Ukraine, Leo warned of the mounting toll of Russian strikes as winter intensifies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Ukraine, new attacks \u2013 particularly severe ones aimed at energy infrastructure as the cold weather grows harsher \u2013 are taking a heavy toll on the civilian population,\u201d he said. \u201cI pray for those who suffer and renew my appeal for an end to the violence and for renewed efforts to achieve peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent attacks have left more than one million homes without water or heat in Ukraine\u2019s Dnipropetrovsk region.<\/p>\n
Earlier in the day, the pope celebrated Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord and\u00a0baptized 20 newborns, the children of Vatican employees, in the Sistine Chapel. After the Angelus, he said he wanted to extend his blessing \u201cto all children who have received or will receive Baptism during these days \u2013 in Rome and throughout the world \u2013 entrusting them to the maternal care of the Virgin Mary.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cIn a particular way, I pray for children born into difficult circumstances, whether due to health conditions or external dangers. May the grace of Baptism, which unites them to the Paschal Mystery of Christ, bear fruit in their lives and in the lives of their families.\u201d<\/p>\n
During his Angelus reflection, Leo spoke about the meaning of Christ\u2019s baptism and how the sacrament of baptism makes believers \u201cchildren of God through the power of his Spirit of life,\u201d encouraging the faithful to remember \u201cthe great gift we have received\u201d and to bear witness to it \u201cwith joy and authenticity.\u201d<\/p>\n
This story was\u00a0first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, CNA\u2019s Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.<\/p>\n