Pope Leo seeks Christmas day peace, voices concern over Ukraine war

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for a global truce on Christmas Day, saying he feels “great sadness” over what he described as Russia’s apparent rejection of such a proposal.

Speaking to reporters at his residence near Rome on December 23, the pope urged all sides to pause hostilities, at least for the Christmas holiday. “I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace – at least on the feast of the birth of our saviour,” Leo said.

He added that the situation surrounding Ukraine was particularly distressing. “Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said. Referring more broadly to ongoing conflicts around the world, he expressed hope that his call would be heeded. “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world,” he said.

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire, arguing that any pause in fighting would give Ukraine a military advantage.

The pope’s comments came as fighting continued on the ground. On Tuesday, Ukraine withdrew its troops from a town in the east of the country following intense battles with Russian forces. At the same time, sustained Russian strikes killed three civilians and left thousands without electricity amid freezing winter temperatures.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, there were no signs of an imminent breakthrough. Senior negotiators from both Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with US officials aimed at finding a way to end nearly four years of war, but those talks did not produce an immediate result.

Earlier this month, Pope Leo met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, the pope said, “I hope so,” while stressing that it was not possible to say when such a visit might take place.

He also warned against attempts to pursue peace in Ukraine without European involvement, describing such an approach as “unrealistic.” Leo further cautioned that US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could lead to a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance.

By Tamilla Hasanova