Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called on Russia
and Ukraine to find the courage to engage in direct peace talks, while also
drawing attention to the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, in
his first Christmas message as head of the Catholic Church.
Addressing an estimated 26,000 worshippers in St
Peter’s Square, the US-born pontiff condemned the “senselessness” of war
and the devastation it leaves behind, describing conflict as a source of
“rubble and open wounds” across societies.
“Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented
people of Ukraine,” Pope Leo said.
“May the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international
community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful
dialogue.”
The pope’s remarks come amid renewed diplomatic
efforts, with Russian and Ukrainian officials having separately held talks with
US negotiators in recent weeks. The war, triggered by Russia’s invasion of
Ukraine in February 2022, has claimed tens of thousands of lives, devastated
eastern Ukraine, and displaced millions.
While Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
has outlined elements of a peace plan following discussions with the United
States, Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far shown little
willingness to compromise, maintaining firm demands.
Gaza: ‘They Have Lost Everything’
In his Christmas homily, Pope Leo also highlighted the
dire conditions in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people remain
displaced weeks after a fragile ceasefire took effect.
“How can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed
for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” the pope asked, noting that many residents
“have nothing left and have lost everything.”
The United Nations estimates that 1.3 million
people in Gaza require shelter assistance, warning of rising risks of
hypothermia as winter conditions worsen.
A Palestinian Christian, Elias al-Jalda, who
attended Christmas Mass at Gaza’s only Roman Catholic church, expressed hope
that the season would mark a turning point.
“We hope this year will be the beginning of a new
phase — one defined by a complete end to the war and the return of life to
Gaza,” he said.
Christmas Celebrations Across the World
In Bethlehem, Christians celebrated their first
festive Christmas in over two years as the city emerged from the shadow of the
Gaza war. Hundreds gathered at the Church of the Nativity, while crowds
filled Manger Square amid lights, music and celebrations.
In Syria, Christmas lights illuminated
Damascus’s Old City despite lingering fears following a deadly attack earlier
in the year. Residents expressed hope for peace and renewal.
“Syria deserves joy and a hopeful future,” said
20-year-old student Loris Aasaf.
Elsewhere, reactions to the season varied. In the United
States, President Donald Trump issued a controversial Christmas
message that included criticism of political opponents. Meanwhile, severe
weather disrupted celebrations in California, where flooding fears
prompted evacuations in parts of Los Angeles.
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony
Albanese struck a sombre tone following a deadly attack during a Hanukkah
celebration earlier in December, calling for unity and reflection.
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