In his first Christmas address to worshippers gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo appealed to both Ukraine and Russia to show the “moral bravery” needed to engage in face-to-face negotiations in order to bring the war to a close.
Delivering his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, the Catholic leader broadened his message to include all regions suffering from violence and unrest, urging an end to bloodshed worldwide.
Reflecting specifically on the war in Ukraine, he declared:
“Let the noise of gunfire fall silent, and may all parties — supported by the wider international community — find the strength to pursue honest, direct and mutually respectful dialogue.”
His remarks coincided with ongoing US-brokered diplomatic efforts to secure an agreement to halt the fighting. While Washington has been working to craft a framework acceptable to both governments, Kyiv and Moscow have yet to meet directly during the most recent round of mediation.
Pope Leo also condemned renewed instability in other regions, highlighting renewed clashes along the Thailand–Cambodia border that have erupted despite a truce reached in July.
Earlier in the day, during a Christmas service held inside St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope reflected on the suffering of people made vulnerable by war and poverty, including those forced to live without shelter.
