Pope Leo XIV called for a 24-hour ceasefire in all wars in the world this Christmas. Not least in view of the recent Russian attacks on Ukraine, the pontiff said that one of the things that made him sad was that Russia had rejected a Christmas truce.
He once again addressed the request to all people of good will and appealed to observe a day of ceasefire in Ukraine and around the world at least on the feast of the birth of Jesus, the media quoted the pontiff as saying.
The Pope will hold his first Christmas mass in St. Peter’s Basilica in the evening. It is expected that he will also speak out against war and violence there and remind people of the suffering of the people.
On Christmas Day, Pope Leo XIV will announce the traditional Christmas message in St. Peter’s Square. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the head of around 1.4 billion Catholics will give the blessing “Urbi et Orbi”, i.e. to the city and the world. Tens of thousands of believers are expected.
Hope for peace in Gaza
The Pope also previously addressed the situation in the Middle East. He spoke to the priest in Gaza. People there tried to celebrate Christmas despite their continued very precarious situation. It is to be hoped that the peace agreement will make progress.
Criticism of euthanasia law in home state
The Pope, who was born in the US state of Illinois – the first American to sit on the Chair of Peter – also commented on the new euthanasia law in his home state. From autumn 2026, it will enable euthanasia for adults with incurable diseases and a short life expectancy.
Leo Unfortunately, the governor decided to sign the law. He was very disappointed about that. (dpa)
