In a powerful and emotional first Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, made a heartfelt plea for a single day of global peace. Delivering his address from Rome, the pontiff specifically criticised Russia for rejecting a proposed holiday ceasefire in Ukraine and drew attention to the severe humanitarian crises in Gaza and for migrants worldwide.
A Solemn Appeal for Christmas Peace
Pope Leo XIV used his historic Christmas Eve sermon to issue a universal call for harmony. "I once again make this appeal to all people of good will: that, at least on the feast of the birth of the Savior, one day of peace may be respected," he stated, asking for "one full day of peace throughout the world." He expressed profound sadness over Moscow's apparent refusal to agree to a Christmas truce in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, describing the situation as a source of "great sadness."
The Pope highlighted the suffering of Ukrainian civilians, who he said live under constant threat and are "tormented" by violence. His words underscored the moral urgency of halting hostilities, even temporarily, during the festive season.
Focus on Gaza and the Global Migrant Crisis
Extending his concern beyond Europe, Pope Leo XIV turned to the Middle East. He questioned how the world could ignore the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, living in tents "exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold" despite a fragile ceasefire agreement from October. He expressed hope that the peace process there would move forward.
Making care for immigrants a central theme of his early papacy, the pontiff also spotlighted the dire circumstances of migrants, refugees, and the homeless globally. He linked their suffering directly to wars and instability, referencing conflicts not only in Ukraine and Gaza but also in Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
A Moral Imperative to Help the Vulnerable
Pope Leo XIV reinforced a core tenet of his leadership: the duty to show compassion. He issued a stark warning, stating that "refusing to help the poor and strangers is tantamount to rejecting God." This moral call to action framed his entire message, positioning the response to global humanitarian crises as a fundamental test of faith and human decency.
This address marked Pope Leo XIV's first Christmas since his election in May 2023, following the death of Pope Francis. Born Robert Prevost in Chicago, he has quickly established himself as a significant moral voice on the world stage. His appeal continues a centuries-old tradition of papal peace calls, notably modernised by Pope Benedict XV, who urged a World War I truce in 1914.
