Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Ukraine during his traditional Christmas Urbi et Orbi address on 25 December, according to a broadcast by the Holy See.
"Let us pray especially for the suffering Ukrainian people: may the roar of weapons cease and may the parties to the conflict, supported by the efforts of the international community, find the courage for sincere, direct and respectful dialogue," the pontiff said.
The Pope's message extended beyond Ukraine to conflict zones across multiple continents. He mentioned wars in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Myanmar and Haiti, requesting "peace and comfort for the victims of all wars." He called for "justice, peace and stability" in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria, and expressed hope that relations between Thailand and Cambodia would improve.
Two days before the Christmas address, on 23 December, Pope Leo XIV stated he was saddened by Russia's rejection of a proposed Christmas ceasefire in the war against Ukraine.
The Pope's predecessor, Francis, also referenced Ukraine in his Christmas speeches, asking for peace for the country and calling on Kyiv and Moscow to negotiate.
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