In a powerful and direct Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV has called on Russia and Ukraine to find the 'courage' for sincere and direct peace talks, even as Russian shelling of Kyiv continued. The Pontiff made his impassioned appeal during his first Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Square.
A Direct Appeal Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Delivering the traditional Christmas Day speech to the faithful in Vatican City, Pope Leo urged an immediate end to the violence. 'May the clamor of weapons cease,' he proclaimed, specifically addressing the war in Ukraine. He stressed that the involved parties must, with international support, engage in respectful dialogue to end the fighting.
This papal intervention comes alongside ongoing, though struggling, diplomatic efforts led by the United States. Notably, these initiatives have so far failed to bring Russian and Ukrainian officials to the same table for direct negotiations.
Global Conflicts in the Christmas Spotlight
The Pope's distress, however, extended far beyond Eastern Europe. He voiced deep concern over other global flashpoints, including deadly frontier clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, which have reignited after a July truce. He called for 'reconciliation and peace' and a restoration of the 'ancient friendship' between Southeast Asian nations.
Earlier, during Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo contemplated the widespread human cost of war, speaking of 'defenceless populations' and the 'rubble and open wounds' left behind by conflict.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Pontiff turned his attention pointedly to the Middle East, highlighting the severe plight of civilians in Gaza. 'How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?' he asked rhetorically.
He referenced the Israeli military operation launched after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which has devastated the territory. With winter storms worsening conditions, nearly all of Gaza's 2.1 million inhabitants are displaced, their homes damaged or destroyed. Aid agencies continue to plead for more tents and essential supplies to be allowed into the strip.
According to Cogat, the Israeli military body coordinating aid, nearly 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered since a ceasefire began in October, though needs remain immense.
