On Christmas Day, Pope Leo XIV asked the world to pause.
Just for one day.
Just for peace.
Speaking from his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope made a heartfelt appeal for a global truce, saying the season of Christmas should be a moment of silence, compassion, and mercy — even amid war.
“I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace,” he said.
“At least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour.”
But his message carried sadness.
The Pope openly shared his disappointment that Russia had apparently rejected calls for a Christmas truce. Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, has repeatedly dismissed ceasefire appeals, arguing they would only benefit Ukraine militarily.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness,” Leo said, “is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce.”
Still, he did not give up hope.
Referring to conflicts around the world, the Pope said he prayed leaders would listen — and allow 24 hours of peace across the globe.
His call comes as the war in Ukraine continues to take a devastating toll.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian forces withdrew from a town in eastern Ukraine after intense fighting. Russian strikes killed three civilians and left thousands without power — all as freezing winter temperatures set in.
Despite diplomatic efforts, there is no sign of a breakthrough.
Top negotiators from both Russia and Ukraine met separately with U.S. officials in Miami last weekend, but nearly four years into the conflict, peace remains out of reach.
Earlier this month, Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. When asked if he would accept an invitation to visit Ukraine, the Pope said he hoped to — but admitted it was too soon to say when.
He also warned that peace efforts without European diplomatic involvement would be “unrealistic,” and cautioned that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could bring a “huge change” to the transatlantic alliance.
Still, on Christmas Day, Pope Leo’s message was simple — and urgent.
In a world filled with conflict, even one day of peace would matter.
One day without bombs.
One day without fear.
One day to remember why peace is worth fighting for.
