Pope Leo XIV, America’s first pope, made a heartfelt appeal for “one full day of peace throughout the world” during his Christmas address in Rome. Speaking about several areas of Russian attacks in Ukraine, the pope criticized Moscow for rejecting a holiday truce.
“Once again this call to all people of good will: that at least one day of peace be respected on the feast of the Savior’s birth,” Pope Leo said.
condemns Russia’s rejection of the ceasefire
Pope Leo highlighted the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and expressed sadness over Russia’s refusal to observe the Christmas truce.
“Indeed, among the things that cause me great sadness these days is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a Christmas truce,” he said.
The Pope noted the plight of Ukrainian civilians living under constant threat, describing them as “plagued” by violence.
Gaza and the Palestinian crisis
Pope Leo also addressed the precarious conditions in Gaza amid a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.
“So how can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed to weeks of rain, wind and cold?” he asked.
He lamented that Gazans remain homeless despite an October ceasefire agreement after years of conflict.
Focus on migrants and the homeless
Continuing his Christmas message, the Pope highlighted the plight of migrants and refugees, as well as global homelessness caused by war and instability.
He specifically mentioned the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia.
Advocate for care and compassion
Pope Leo, who made caring for immigrants a central theme of his early papacy, reinforced the moral imperative to help the vulnerable. He warned that ignoring the needs of the poor and foreigners was akin to rejecting God himself.
“Refusal to help the poor and foreigners is tantamount to rejecting God,” the Pope said in his Christmas Eve homily.
“Hopefully the peace deal (in Gaza) will move forward,” Leo added, stressing the need for continued international efforts to support the vulnerable.
First Christmas as Pope
It was the first Christmas of Pope Leo XIV. since his election in May, after the late Pope Francis. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, he quickly established himself as a moral voice on global humanitarian crises and the importance of compassion in times of conflict.
