Pope blasts weapons industry as he makes Christmas appeal for world peace

Francis devoted his Christmas Day blessing to a call for peace in the world

Pope Francis delilvers the Urbi et Orbi (Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Francis blasted the weapons industry and its “instruments of death” that fuel wars as he made a Christmas Day appeal for peace in the world and in particular between Israel and the Palestinians.

Speaking from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica to the throngs of people below, Francis said he grieved the “abominable attack” of Hamas against southern Israel on October 7 and called for the release of hostages.