Pope Leo XIV urges a worldwide ceasefire on Christmas Day, voicing sadness that Russia has apparently rejected a truce request for Ukraine.
CASTEL GANDOLFO: Pope Leo XIV has called for a global truce on Christmas Day.
He expressed “great sadness” that “apparently Russia rejected a request” for one.
“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 told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected ceasefire calls, saying they would only give Ukraine a military advantage.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said.
He expressed hope that parties to conflicts would listen and that there would be “24 hours of peace in the whole world.”
The appeal comes as Ukraine pulled troops from an eastern town after fierce battles with Russian forces.
Relentless strikes killed three civilians and cut power to thousands in freezing winter temperatures.
Top negotiators from Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with US officials.
There was no sign of an imminent breakthrough to end almost four years of fighting.
Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month.
Asked if he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, Leo later said “I hope so.”
He cautioned it was not possible to say when such a trip would be possible.
The pope also said seeking peace in Ukraine without European diplomatic involvement was “unrealistic.”
He warned US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan risked a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance.
