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In a significant moment for his pontificate, Pope Leo utilized his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi address from St. Peter's Square—a traditional Christmas Day message to Vatican City worshippers—to strongly encourage Ukraine and Russia to secure peace through
direct negotiations, finding the "courage" to do so. Beyond this immediate conflict, he extended his appeal for an end to hostilities across the entire world.
Speaking about Ukraine, the Pope said: "May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue."
His plea comes as US-led negotiations on a deal to end the fighting continues. The US has sought to put together an agreement acceptable to both sides, but direct talks between Russian and Ukraine have not taken place during this latest round of diplomatic efforts.
Pope Leo also decried turmoil and conflict plaguing other parts of the world, including Thailand and Cambodia where deadly border clashes have flared up despite a ceasefire in July. He asked that the South East Asian nations' "ancient friendship" be restored and "to work towards reconciliation and peace".
During an earlier Christmas Day sermon in St Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo lamented conditions for homeless people around the world, and the damage caused by conflicts.
"Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," he said.
He said the story of the birth of Jesus showed that God had "pitched his fragile tent" among the people of the world. "How, then," he asked, turning his attention to the conditions of Palestinians, "can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?"
Winter storms have compounded the plight of the territory's 2.1m population, nearly all of whom have been displaced and their homes damaged or destroyed.
Aid agencies have called for Israel to allow more tents and urgently needed supplies into Gaza.
