In a powerful Christmas Day message, Pope Leo has made a direct appeal for peace, urging Ukraine and Russia to demonstrate the "courage" needed to engage in direct negotiations. The pontiff delivered this plea during his traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) address from St. Peter's Square in Vatican City.
A Call for Sincere Dialogue to End the War
Focusing on the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, Pope Leo explicitly called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. "May the clamour of weapons cease," he stated, before appealing to the warring parties. He emphasized that with international community support, both sides must find the bravery to start "sincere, direct and respectful dialogue." This call comes amidst continued US-led diplomatic efforts to broker a deal, though direct talks between Moscow and Kyiv have not yet materialized in this latest round.
Global Conflicts and a Plea for Southeast Asia
The Pope's message extended far beyond Europe, decrying turmoil in multiple global hotspots. He specifically mentioned Thailand and Cambodia, where deadly border clashes have reignited despite a July ceasefire. Pope Leo asked for the restoration of the nations' "ancient friendship" and for them to work diligently towards "reconciliation and peace." His address underscored the universal yearning for stability during the festive season.
Highlighting the Human Cost: From Homelessness to Gaza's Tents
Earlier, during a Christmas sermon inside St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo reflected deeply on human suffering. He lamented the fragile state of "defenceless populations" scarred by wars, which leave behind "rubble and open wounds." Drawing a poignant parallel, he connected the story of Jesus's birth in a humble manger to the current humanitarian disaster. "How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?" he asked rhetorically.
The situation in Gaza remains dire following the war triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Israeli bombardment has devastated the territory, displacing nearly all of its 2.1 million residents and damaging or destroying homes. Harsh winter storms have severely worsened living conditions. While aid agencies plead for more tents and supplies, Israel's Cogat, which controls border crossings, denies deliberately restricting aid, claiming almost 310,000 tents and tarpaulins have been delivered since the October ceasefire began.
Pope Leo's Christmas messages collectively served as a stark reminder of global strife, urging leaders worldwide to choose the path of dialogue and to remember the most vulnerable in times of conflict.
