Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday appealed for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing deep sorrow over continued hostilities in conflict zones and lamenting reports that Russia had rejected calls for a temporary ceasefire.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, the Pope urged people of goodwill across the world to honour the significance of Christmas with a pause in violence.
“I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Leo said.
He added that one of the issues that caused him “great sadness” was the apparent refusal by Russia to accept a proposal for a truce.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pontiff said.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has consistently dismissed ceasefire proposals, arguing that any pause in fighting would give Ukraine a military advantage.
Calling for an end to violence worldwide, Pope Leo expressed hope that leaders would heed his appeal.
“I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world,” he said.
Ukraine conflict continues
Meanwhile, the war in Ukraine showed no signs of easing. Ukrainian forces on Tuesday withdrew from a town in eastern Ukraine following intense fighting with Russian troops. Ongoing Russian strikes reportedly killed three civilians and disrupted electricity supply to thousands of residents amid freezing winter conditions.
Despite diplomatic efforts, there was no indication of an imminent breakthrough. Senior Russian and Ukrainian negotiators were in Miami last weekend for separate discussions with US officials aimed at finding a path to end nearly four years of conflict, but no agreement emerged.
Diplomatic engagements
Pope Leo recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month. Asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, the pontiff said he hoped to do so but noted that it was too early to determine when such a visit could take place.
The Pope also cautioned that efforts to secure peace in Ukraine without the involvement of European diplomacy would be “unrealistic,” warning that US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could lead to a significant shift in the transatlantic alliance.
