Overview
- From St. Peter’s loggia, the pope delivered his Christmas message to about 26,000 people, offered greetings in ten languages, and conferred the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing with the associated indulgence.
- He urged an honest, direct dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and broadened his appeal to victims of overlooked wars, citing suffering across Africa and the Middle East.
- He described the “open wounds” of conflict, lamented the toll on conscripted young people, and said peace begins when the pain of others shakes hardened convictions.
- He renewed his call for a 24‑hour Christmas ceasefire worldwide, expressing sadness that Russia declined a holiday truce for Ukraine.
- He expanded his Christmas liturgy by personally leading the morning Mass for the first time since 1994, as the Holy Year moves toward its January 6 conclusion.