During the Angelus today, January 11, from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern for the ongoing crises in various parts of the world, with a special focus on the Middle East and Ukraine. The Pope referred explicitly to Iran and Syria, where tensions and confrontations are resulting in new casualties. For two weeks, Iran has been experiencing a massive wave of protests involving much of the country, which has been accompanied by a violent response. In Syria, conflict between government forces and the Syrian Democratic Forces' Kurdish militia in Aleppo continues, with the death toll growing. The Pope then focused his attention on Ukraine, where Russian bombardment of cities and infrastructure continue unabated. He added that the attacks are causing entire populations to lose access to energy and heating just as winter approaches. "Attacking civilians in this way is particularly serious", he said, reinforcing his demand for a stop to what he described as an ongoing tragedy. At the end of the prayer, Leo XIV bestowed a special blessing on the children baptized in the Sistine Chapel, as well as all those receiving the sacrament these days around the world. He gave a special thought to the little ones living in difficult conditions, due to illness or the dangers of conflict, so that—he said—the grace of Baptism may bring solace and hope to them and their families.