Pope Leo XIV has appealed to Russia and Ukraine to summon the courage to engage in direct dialogue, as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday, lamenting the devastating human cost of war.
Addressing about 26,000 worshippers in St Peter’s Square, the pontiff condemned the “senselessness” of conflict and the destruction and suffering it leaves in its wake. He made a special appeal for Ukraine, where the war sparked by Russia’s invasion in February 2022 has claimed tens of thousands of lives, devastated eastern regions, and displaced millions.
“Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine,” Pope Leo said, urging all parties, with the backing of the international community, to pursue “sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”
The Pope also highlighted the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for greater solidarity with vulnerable populations in Europe, a remark seen as touching on rising anti-immigration sentiments across the continent.
In recent weeks, Russian and Ukrainian officials have held separate discussions with US mediators on possible pathways to end the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has outlined elements of a proposed peace plan, but Moscow has yet to signal any readiness to soften its demands.
Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, concluded his message with a renewed call for peace, compassion, and openness to dialogue in a world scarred by violence.
