Pope Leo XIV Uses First Christmas Address to Press for Peace, Urges Russia–Ukraine Talks

Overview

• He told reporters Russia had apparently rejected a Christmas ceasefire request and appealed for at least 24 hours of peace.
• In his Urbi et Orbi, he urged sincere, direct, and respectful talks between Russia and Ukraine as Moscow reviews a U.S‑backed plan outlined by Volodymyr Zelensky.
• His homilies spotlighted civilians in Gaza, citing families in tents exposed for weeks to rain, wind, and cold, and invoked wider concern for refugees and the homeless.
• He advanced a vision of “disarmed and disarming” peace, criticized the global arms race, and condemned delegating battlefield decisions to artificial intelligence.
• The Vatican said about 26,000 attended the blessing in St. Peter’s Square, after the pope’s unexpected appearance greeting pilgrims in the rain during Christmas Eve.