Pope Francis says of Ukraine, Gaza: “A negotiated peace is best than a war with no end in sight”

Pope Francis pleaded for peace worldwide amid ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, telling CBS News on Wednesday that “a negotiated peace is best than a war with no end in sight.” 

“Please. Countries at war, all of them, stop the war. Look to barter. Look for peace,” the pope, speaking through a translator, told “CBS Evening News” anchor and managing editor Norah O’Donnell during an hourlong interview on the guest house where he lives in Rome. 

The pontiff ceaselessly talks in regards to the Israel-Hamas war in his addresses. He made a robust appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine during his Easter Sunday Mass earlier this month. 

He said Wednesday that he calls parishioners in Gaza every single day to listen to what they’re experiencing. The United Nations has warned that famine is imminent and Palestinians are affected by “horrifying levels of hunger and suffering.” 

“They tell me what is going on on,” Francis said. “It’s very hard. Very, very hard. And food goes in, but they need to fight for it.” 

Asked whether he could help negotiate peace, he replied, “I can pray,” and added, “I do. I pray so much.” 

Also on the pope’s mind is the war in Ukraine and the devastating effects Russia’s invasion of the U.S. ally has had on Ukrainian children. 

“Those kids do not know smile,” the pope said. “I tell them something, but they forgot smile. And this could be very hard when a baby forgets to smile. That’s really very serious. Very serious.” 

The Vatican will probably be hosting the primary World Children’s Day in May — a two-day event dedicated to children ages 5 to 12. The event seeks to reply, “What sort of world do we would like to go away to the kids who’re growing up now?” 

“Children at all times bear a message,” the 87-year-old pontiff said. “They bear a message. And it’s a way for us to have a younger heart.” 

He also had a message for individuals who don’t see a spot for themselves within the Catholic Church anymore. 

“I’d say that there’s at all times a spot, at all times. If on this parish the priest doesn’t seem welcoming, I understand, but go and look elsewhere, there’s at all times a spot,” he said. “Do not run away from the Church. The Church could be very big. It’s greater than a temple … you mustn’t run away from her.” 

An prolonged version of O’Donnell’s interview with Pope Francis will air on “60 Minutes” on Sunday, May 19 at 7 p.m. ET. On Monday, May 20, CBS will broadcast an hourlong primetime special dedicated to the papal interview at 10 p.m. ET on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+. Additionally, CBS News and Stations will carry O’Donnell’s interview across platforms.