Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, made an appeal for peace, specifically urging an immediate end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Delivering his message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on December 25, 2025, to tens of thousands gathered in the square, the first American-born pontiff prayed particularly for the “tormented people of Ukraine.”
He called for the “clamor of weapons” to cease in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve the nearly four-year conflict sparked by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
“Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine,” he 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,” he added.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the Pope’s appeal comes as Russian and Ukrainian officials have spoken separately in recent weeks to United States negotiators about proposals to end the war started by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Tens of thousands have been killed, eastern Ukraine decimated and millions forced to flee their homes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week outlined key points of a plan to end the conflict after U.S talks.
But Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far shown no willingness to compromise, doubling down on his hardline demands.
Aside speaking on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Pope Leo also addressed the dismal conditions in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are still living in temporary shelters in wintry conditions weeks after a fragile ceasefire took hold.
“How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind, and cold,” the pope said, adding that the territory’s inhabitants “have nothing left and have lost everything.”
The UN has said that an estimated 1.3 million people currently need shelter assistance in Gaza and has warned of the increasing risk of hypothermia as temperatures dip.
“We hope this year will mark the beginning of a new phase — one defined by a complete end to the war and the return of life to Gaza,” said Pope Leo.
This comes as the Christian community celebrated its first festive Christmas in more than two years as the occupied West Bank city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza.
Hundreds of worshippers gathered for mass on Wednesday night at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ.
Hundreds also took part in the parade down Bethlehem’s narrow Star Street on Wednesday, while a dense crowd massed in the square.
“Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war,” said Milagros Anstas, 17.
Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families took photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star.
As darkness fell, multi-coloured lights shone over Manger Square and a towering Christmas tree glittered next to the Church of the Nativity.
