"The abominable attack on 7 October has left my heart grieving for the victims. I urgently appeal for the liberation of those still held hostage," stated Pope Francis during his "Urbi and Orbi" blessing. He also pleaded for an end to military operations that result in innocent civilian casualties and called for a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation through the provision of humanitarian aid.

In his annual "Urbi et Orbi" speech, Pope Francis typically addresses the global suffering and this year was no exception. He expressed concern for countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, South Sudan, Congo, and the Korean peninsula. He appealed for humanitarian initiatives, dialogue, and security to prevail over violence and death.

Pope Francis specifically called upon governments and people of goodwill in the Americas to address the troubling phenomenon of migration and the unscrupulous traffickers who exploit innocent individuals seeking a better life.

He also criticized the weapons industry for fueling conflicts worldwide, emphasizing the need for more attention to be given to this issue. Pope Francis stated, "It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war. And how can we even speak of peace, when arms production, sales, and trade are on the rise?" He has previously referred to the weapons industry as "merchants of death" and has expressed concerns that wars are being used to test new weapons or deplete old stockpiles, particularly in Ukraine.