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Overview
- Speaking on Dec. 23 outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leão XIV said he was saddened that Russia declined a proposed Christmas ceasefire and urged at least one day of global peace.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported massive Russian missile and drone attacks that hit the power grid, caused blackouts, and left at least three dead including a child.
- At his first Christmas Eve Mass as pope, celebrated at 22:00 in St. Peter’s Basilica, he called for a “disarmed and disarming” peace and condemned the arms race and the use of artificial intelligence for warfare.
- Before the liturgy, he made an unscheduled appearance in St. Peter’s Square to greet faithful in heavy rain as crowds followed the service on outdoor screens.
- He also addressed the crisis in Gaza, noting contact with Father Gabriel Romanelli and expressing hope that a ceasefire initiative there moves forward.