Pope Leo XIV in his Christmas address called for peace in Ukraine, with special attention in his address given to Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria.

In St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas address in his new status. The central theme was the cessation of wars and violence — primarily in Ukraine, but also in other regions where conflict has long become part of everyday life.

The address was delivered in the traditional Vatican form, but its content was extremely direct: the world can no longer afford to get used to the sound of weapons.

A Direct Signal to Moscow and Kyiv

Speaking about Ukraine, the pontiff called for the “silencing of weapons.” He addressed both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the need for courageous, honest, and respectful dialogue.

According to the Pope, such dialogue is impossible without the participation and support of the international community. He made it clear that this is not about formal negotiations for the sake of the process, but about real steps that can stop the death of innocent people.

A View Beyond Europe

Ukraine was just one of the points on the global map that Leo XIV addressed. In his prayer, he listed African countries where violence has continued for years and rarely comes to the center of world attention: Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

This part of the address served as a reminder that conflicts outside Europe are no less destructive — they are simply accustomed to.

The Middle East as a Personal Experience

A separate and more emotionally personal section was dedicated by the Pope to the Middle East. He mentioned Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria, wishing the region justice, security, and sustainable peace.

Leo XIV recalled his recent trip to the region. According to him, he heard not abstract political slogans, but fear, fatigue, and a sense of powerlessness of people in the face of authority and weapons. He was particularly impressed by the residents of Gaza, whom he described as people who have “lost everything.”

Not a Slogan, but a Moral Marker

The Christmas address did not contain political recipes or ultimatums. Its meaning was different — to establish a moral framework in which war cannot be the norm, and peace should not be considered a utopia.

For the Vatican, this is a traditional position, but in the context of protracted conflicts, it sounds increasingly harsh: silence about war becomes a form of complicity.

Symbolic Conclusion

The address concluded with the traditional blessing Urbi et Orbi — “to the city and the world.” In the context of what was said, this formula sounded not as a ritual, but as a final emphasis: the responsibility for peace lies not only on politicians but also on societies that choose what to get used to.

Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas speech was a reminder that religious holidays in 2025 are increasingly turning into a moment of tough conversation about war, pain, and the limits of human endurance — NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency.