ROME — Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday appealed for a Christmas Day ceasefire worldwide, saying he was saddened by reports that Russia had turned down a request for a temporary truce.
Addressing journalists at Castel Gandolfo, the pope called on nations and armed groups to observe a day of peace in keeping with the spirit of Christmas.
“I renew my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace, at least on the feast celebrating the birth of our Savior,” Leo said, adding that Russia’s refusal of a truce proposal was particularly distressing.
Russia has rejected multiple ceasefire appeals since launching its military offensive against Ukraine in February 2022, maintaining that halting hostilities would give Kyiv a strategic advantage.
The pontiff expressed hope that the Christmas season might prompt even a brief halt to violence worldwide. “I hope they will listen, and that there will be 24 hours of peace across the globe,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukraine confirmed the pullout of its forces from a town in the country’s east after days of fierce fighting. Russian strikes during the same period reportedly killed three civilians and disrupted power supplies to thousands as winter temperatures dropped.
Efforts to revive peace negotiations have yet to bear fruit, despite recent discussions involving U.S. officials and representatives from both Russia and Ukraine.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He later said he was open to visiting Ukraine but stressed that the timing of such a trip remained uncertain.
The pope also cautioned against peace initiatives that exclude European diplomatic participation, calling such efforts unrealistic. He further warned that a U.S.-led peace proposal could significantly alter long-standing transatlantic relations.