Pope Leo has called on Ukraine and Russia to find the “courage” to engage in direct talks to end the ongoing war during his first Christmas address to crowds in St. Peter’s Square.
Delivering the traditional Urbi et Orbi message on Christmas Day, the pontiff appealed for an end to conflicts worldwide. Speaking specifically about Ukraine, he said:
“May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”
His plea comes as US-led negotiations continue, though direct talks between Russia and Ukraine have yet to occur in this round of diplomacy.
Pope Leo also addressed conflicts in other regions, including Thailand and Cambodia, where deadly border clashes have resumed despite a July ceasefire. He called for the restoration of “ancient friendship” and urged both nations to pursue reconciliation and peace.
During an earlier Christmas Day sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pope highlighted the plight of the world’s homeless and victims of war, lamenting the suffering left behind by ongoing and past conflicts. He said:
“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds.”
Referring to the birth of Jesus, he emphasized God’s solidarity with humanity and drew attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza:
“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?”
The Gaza Strip has endured heavy Israeli bombardment in a two-year war following Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. Winter storms have worsened conditions for the territory’s 2.1 million residents, most of whom are displaced or living in damaged homes. Aid agencies have urged Israel to allow the delivery of tents and essential supplies, while Israel’s Cogat agency stated that nearly 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered since the October ceasefire.
Pope Leo’s message underscores a call for global solidarity, peace, and protection for the most vulnerable populations amidst continuing conflicts.
