Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday renewed his call for a worldwide truce on Christmas Day, expressing sadness that Russia had apparently rejected the appeal, as fighting in Ukraine raged on, civilians were killed in Russian air strikes, and diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Europe showed little sign of a breakthrough.
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing “great sadness” that “apparently Russia rejected a request” for one.
“I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” Leo told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying it would only give a military advantage to Ukraine.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the pope said.
Referring to conflicts in general, Leo added: “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world.”
Ukraine on Tuesday pulled troops out of a town in the east of the country after fierce battles with Russian forces, as relentless strikes by Moscow killed three civilians and cut power to thousands in freezing winter temperatures.
There was no sign of an imminent breakthrough after top negotiators from both Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with US officials seeking a deal to end almost four years of fighting.
Pope Leo met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month.
Asked whether he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, Leo later said, “I hope so,” but cautioned that it was not possible to say when such a trip might take place.
He also said that seeking peace in Ukraine without European diplomatic involvement was “unrealistic” and warned that US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan risked a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)