As renewed clashes emerge on the border between Thailand and Cambodia, Pope Leo appeals for an end to hostilities, and prays for all victims.
By Vatican News
On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV appealed for an immediate end to the renewed hostilities on the Thai-Cambodian border, where recent clashes have caused casualties – including civilians – and forced thousands to flee their homes.
Addressing the faithful gathered for the final audience of the year, the Pope expressed his “deep sorrow” at the reports emerging from the region.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. I express my closeness in prayer to these dear peoples.”
The violence marks the latest flare-up in a decades-long border dispute, in which contested sections of territory – particularly areas surrounding culturally significant temple sites – have periodically triggered exchanges of fire between the two nations. While past efforts at arbitration and regional diplomacy have sought to stabilise the frontier, ceasefires have often proved fragile, leaving local communities repeatedly caught in the crossfire.
Speaking at the end of the General Audience, the Holy Father lamented the recurrence of these tensions and asked the parties “to cease fire immediately and resume dialogue”.
Children play around a bunker in Surin province on December 10, 2025, during clashes along the Thai-Cambodia border. (AFP or licensors)
