Pope Francis says of Ukraine, Gaza: “A negotiated peace is better than a war without end”

Pope Francis pleaded for peace worldwide amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, telling CBS Information Wednesday that “a negotiated peace is healthier than a conflict with out finish.” 

“Please. Nations at conflict, all of them, cease the conflict. Look to barter. Search for peace,” the pope, talking by way of a translator, instructed “CBS Night Information” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell throughout an hourlong interview on the visitor home the place he lives in Rome. 

The pontiff often talks in regards to the Israel-Hamas conflict in his addresses. He made a robust enchantment for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine throughout his Easter Sunday Mass earlier this month. 

He stated Wednesday he calls parishioners in Gaza every single day to listen to what they’re experiencing. The United Nations has warned that famine is imminent and Palestinians are affected by “horrifying ranges of starvation and struggling.” 

“They inform me what is going on on,” Francis stated. “It’s totally exhausting. Very, very exhausting. And meals goes in, however they need to struggle for it.” 

Requested whether or not he may assist negotiate peace, he replied, “I can pray,” and added, “I do. I pray rather a lot.” 

Additionally on the pope’s thoughts is the conflict in Ukraine and the devastating results Russia’s invasion of the U.S. ally has had on Ukrainian kids. 

“These youngsters do not know the right way to smile,” the pope stated. “I inform them one thing, however they forgot the right way to smile. And that is very exhausting when a baby forgets to smile. That is actually very severe. Very severe.” 

The Vatican shall be internet hosting the primary World Kids’s Day in Might — a two-day occasion devoted to kids ages 5 to 12. The occasion seeks to reply, “What sort of world can we need to go away to the kids who’re rising up now?” 

“Kids at all times bear a message,” the 87-year-old pontiff stated. “They bear a message. And it’s a approach for us to have a youthful coronary heart.” 

He additionally had a message for many who don’t see a spot for themselves within the Catholic Church anymore. 

“I might say that there’s at all times a spot, at all times. If on this parish the priest does not appear welcoming, I perceive, however go and look elsewhere, there may be at all times a spot,” he stated. “Don’t run away from the Church. The Church could be very large. It is greater than a temple … you should not run away from her.” 

An prolonged model of O’Donnell’s interview with Pope Francis will air on 60 Minutes on Sunday, Might 19, at 7 p.m. ET. On Monday, Might 20, CBS will broadcast an hourlong primetime particular devoted to the papal interview at 10 p.m. ET on the CBS Tv Community and streaming on Paramount+. Moreover, CBS Information and Stations will carry O’Donnell’s interview throughout platforms.