Pope Francis said his wish for the new year was clear and simple — that the world never see another war.
He made his desires known during a New Year’s Day appearance at the Vatican window, an event attended by tens of thousands, the Daily Mail reported.
“[I] wish that there will never be more wars,” he said, the news outlet reported. “Peace is always possible. We must search for it.”
And the key to that outcome?
“Prayer is at the root of peace,” the pope said, the Daily Mail reported.
He also said the world should unite — regardless of religion — to fight the evils of slavery and human trafficking.
“Each, according to his or her own responsibilities, is called to combat modern forms of enslavement,” he said. “From every people, culture and religion, let us join our forces.”
The pope was making the remarks to mark the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.