A call for prayers "for the unconditional release of all those currently kidnapped in Colombia". At the close of the Angelus, Pope Francis appealed for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the release of those taken prisoner in Colombia. The Pope also expressed solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in response to the floods produced by severe rains last week, which killed at least 300 people and destroyed 43,750 homes, according to government figures. The government is on high alert for pandemic threats associated with a lack of sanitation and potable water. Additionally, the Pope extended his sincere regards to the Eastern ecclesial communities that adhere to the Julian calendar and observed "Holy Christmas in a spirit of joyful fraternity" yesterday.
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