Pope Leo XIV portrait (1).webp
The Digest:

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for a worldwide day of peace on Christmas, publicly expressing "great sadness" that Russia has reportedly rejected a request for a temporary truce in Ukraine.

Key Points:
  • Pope Leo XIV has called for a global 24-hour truce on Christmas Day.
  • He expressed sadness that Russia has “apparently rejected” a truce request.
  • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, now nearing four years, has seen repeated ceasefire rejections.
  • The Pope met Ukrainian President Zelensky this month and hopes to visit Ukraine.
  • He warned that US-led peace plans risk a “huge change” in transatlantic alliances.
  • Ukraine recently withdrew troops from an eastern town amid heavy Russian bombardment.
  • The Pope emphasized the need for European diplomatic engagement in any peace process.
In a season symbolizing peace and goodwill, this appeal underscores the painful gap between spiritual aspiration and geopolitical reality, a call for 24 hours of quiet in a world where even a day’s ceasefire remains out of reach.

Sources: Channels Television, AFP