Pope Leo XIV has renewed his call for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing deep sadness that Russia has reportedly rejected a request for a temporary ceasefire in the Ukraine war.
Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the pontiff urged people of goodwill around the world to observe at least 24 hours of peace to mark the birth of Christ. He said the rejection of the truce request by Russia was particularly distressing, as the conflict continues to claim civilian lives.
Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has repeatedly dismissed calls for a ceasefire, arguing that any pause in fighting would benefit Ukrainian forces.
Meanwhile, fighting on the ground has intensified, with Ukraine withdrawing troops from a town in the east following heavy clashes, as Russian strikes killed civilians and disrupted power supplies during freezing winter conditions.
Despite renewed diplomatic efforts, there is little sign of a breakthrough. Senior Russian and Ukrainian negotiators held separate talks with U.S. officials in Miami last weekend, but no agreement was reached.
Pope Leo recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and said he hopes to visit Ukraine in the future, though he could not say when.
The pontiff also cautioned that any peace effort excluding European diplomatic involvement would be unrealistic, warning that proposed U.S.-led plans could significantly alter transatlantic relations as the war drags on into its fourth year.
