Pope Leo XIV called for courage from Russia and Ukraine to engage in direct negotiations and end the Russian invasion of Ukrainian territory and political responsibility in Latin America. He read his Christmas message before the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, delivered from the balcony of the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica this Thursday morning (25).
“Let us pray in a special way for the Ukrainian people. May the noise of weapons cease and may the parties involved, supported by the commitment of the international community, find the courage to dialogue in a sincere, direct and respectful way. To the boy of Bethlehem we implore peace and consolation to the victims of all the wars going on in the world”, said the pope.
The message comes at a time when the United States is trying to forge a peace agreement over the Christmas period. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made new concessions to Russia and agreed to withdraw his troops from the east of the country and create a demilitarized zone, provided Russia does the same. But Moscow so far continues to prevent negotiations from continuing.
Leo XIV also asked that space be given to dialogue to achieve the common good in Latin America, but did not elaborate further on the request.
“May the Baby Jesus inspire those who have political responsibilities in Latin America so that, when facing the numerous challenges, space is given to dialogue for the common good and not to ideological and partisan exclusions,” said the pope in his message.
He also asked for Haiti, which is going through a serious political and crime crisis. “In these last days of the jubilee of hope, let us pray to the God made man for the beloved people of Haiti, so that by ceasing all forms of violence in the country, progress can be made on the path of peace and reconciliation,” he said.
The practice of asking for an end to conflicts was also carried out by Pope Francis. Leo XIV also cited Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Myanmar.
