VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday renewed his appeal for a worldwide ceasefire on Christmas Day, expressing deep regret that a proposed truce was “apparently rejected” by Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the pontiff called on all parties to observe at least one day of peace in honor of Christmas, the feast marking the birth of Jesus Christ.
“I renew my appeal to all people of good will to respect a day of peace, at least on the feast of the birth of our Savior,” Leo said. He added that the apparent rejection of a truce by Russia was among the developments that caused him “great sadness.”
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly dismissed ceasefire proposals, arguing that any pause in fighting would give Kyiv a military advantage.
Broadening his message beyond Ukraine, Pope Leo expressed hope that conflicts worldwide would fall silent, even briefly. “I hope they will listen, and that there will be 24 hours of peace throughout the world,” he said.
His remarks came as Ukraine confirmed the withdrawal of troops from an eastern town following intense clashes with Russian forces.
Ukrainian authorities also reported that continued Russian strikes killed three civilians and left thousands without electricity amid freezing winter conditions.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, there were no immediate signs of progress toward ending the nearly four-year conflict.
Senior Russian and Ukrainian negotiators separately met with US officials in Miami last weekend, but the talks failed to produce a breakthrough.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, the pope said he hoped to do so, though he noted that it was too early to say when such a trip might be possible.
Leo also cautioned that any attempt to pursue peace in Ukraine without the involvement of European diplomacy would be “unrealistic.” He further warned that a proposed peace plan by US President Donald Trump could bring about a “major shift” in transatlantic relations.