Pope Leo's First Christmas Address: Urges 'Courage' for Ukraine-Russia Talks, Spotlights Gaza's Plight

From St. Peter's Square, a Christmas message of peace met the stark reality of global conflict. In his first "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Leo XIV issued a direct plea for dialogue to end the war in Ukraine and lamented the suffering in conflict zones from Gaza to beyond.

A Call for Courage in Ukraine

Speaking to worshippers gathered in Vatican City on December 25, the pontiff specifically addressed Ukraine. Reuters reported him as saying, "May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue."

His plea comes as US-led negotiations continue to forge an agreement acceptable to both sides. However, direct talks between the warring parties, Kyiv and Moscow, haven't taken place during this latest round of diplomatic efforts.

A World of 'Rubble and Open Wounds'

Pope Leo also broadened his message to address other conflicts. During an earlier sermon in St. Peter's Basilica, he said, "Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds."

He turned his attention specifically to the conditions of Palestinians, asking, "How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?" Gaza has been devastated by a two-year war triggered by an attack from Hamas, displacing nearly all of its 2.1 million people. In response to claims of aid restrictions, Cogat, the Israeli military body controlling border crossings, has said almost 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered since the ceasefire began in October.