Pope Leo used his first Christmas address to urge Ukraine and Russia to show the “courage” needed to hold direct negotiations, calling for an end to the nearly three-year war as global conflicts continue to fuel humanitarian crises.
Speaking to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square during the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing, the pontiff appealed for diplomacy to replace violence, stressing the need for dialogue supported by the international community.
Addressing the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo said the sound of weapons must give way to talks between the warring sides.
“May the clamour of weapons cease,” the pope said, urging the parties involved, “with the support and commitment of the international community, [to] find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”
His remarks came as U.S.-led diplomatic efforts to broker an end to the conflict continue. Washington has sought to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow, but direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia have not taken place during the current phase of talks, according to Western officials cited by Reuters.
The pope also highlighted conflicts beyond Europe, including renewed tensions in Southeast Asia, where clashes have erupted along the border between Thailand and Cambodia despite a ceasefire reached in July.
Calling on both nations to restore their long-standing ties, Pope Leo asked that their “ancient friendship” be renewed and encouraged leaders to pursue reconciliation and peace.
Earlier on Christmas Day, during a sermon inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope reflected on the toll of war on civilians, particularly the homeless and displaced.
“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations,” he said, noting that wars—whether ongoing or concluded—leave behind “rubble and open wounds.”
Drawing on the Christian story of Jesus’ birth, Pope Leo said God had “pitched his fragile tent” among humanity. He then turned to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asking how the world could ignore the conditions faced by displaced Palestinians. “How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza,” he asked, “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?”
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Gaza has been devastated by Israeli military operations during a two-year war sparked by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, according to Israeli and international officials. Nearly the entire population of about 2.1 million people has been displaced, with large parts of the enclave’s housing destroyed.
Winter storms have worsened conditions, prompting aid groups to press Israel to allow additional shelters and emergency supplies into the territory.
Israel’s military coordination body COGAT, which oversees Gaza’s border crossings, has rejected claims of deliberate aid restrictions. In a recent statement, it said nearly 310,000 tents and tarpaulins had entered Gaza since the ceasefire began in October.