VATICAN CITY
In his first Christmas message as pope, Pope Leo XIV called for a global truce, urging all nations to pause hostilities and embrace peace on this holiday season. Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff highlighted the urgent need for compassion, dialogue, and solidarity amid ongoing conflicts around the world.
Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to hear the pope deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, broadcast globally to millions of viewers. Pope Leo emphasized that Christmas is a time for reflection, unity, and hope, reminding the world that true peace requires both justice and compassion.
The pope’s appeal focused on several conflict zones, including Ukraine, the Middle East, Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon, calling on leaders and communities to seek dialogue and reconciliation. He expressed particular concern that a proposed truce in Europe had been rejected by some parties, stressing that even a single day of peace holds symbolic and practical importance for millions affected by war.
Beyond calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, Pope Leo XIV urged nations and individuals to support displaced populations, refugees, and those suffering from hunger and poverty. He framed peace as not merely the absence of violence but as the presence of justice, mutual respect, and shared human dignity.
The pontiff also delivered his Christmas greetings in multiple languages, underscoring his commitment to inclusivity and global outreach. Music and prayer accompanied the address, including a choir performance that symbolized unity and hope across borders.
Earlier in the day, the Vatican hosted services attended by clergy, diplomats, and faithful from around the world, highlighting the church’s role as a moral guide and advocate for peace. Pope Leo’s address reinforced the Catholic Church’s long-standing tradition of using Christmas to inspire reflection on the world’s challenges and the human responsibility to seek harmony.
In closing, the pope called on all people of goodwill to carry the spirit of Christmas into daily life, promoting reconciliation, understanding, and acts of kindness. His message combined spiritual reflection with a practical call for global action, offering hope that even amidst conflict, humanity can work toward lasting peace.
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