Pope sends thoughts to "Palestine, Israel and Ukraine" in Christmas eve prayer

Pope Francis waves from the window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's square during the Angelus prayer on December 24, in The Vatican.  Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty Images

Pope Francis asked Christians to think of those suffering on Christmas due to war, referencing those in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Israel, and Ukraine.

"Let us be near our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war,” the Pope said after leading the Angelus prayer from Saint Peter’s Square on Sunday. 

“Let's think of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine. Let's also think of those who are suffering because of misery, hunger, and slavery,” he continued.