Pope Leo XIV used his first Christmas message to urge Russia and Ukraine to pursue direct, sincere negotiations and to spotlight the humanitarian emergency in Gaza. Speaking to about 26,000 people in St Peter's Square, he denounced the "senselessness" of war and urged solidarity with those in need. The UN warns that roughly 1.3 million people in Gaza need shelter assistance as temperatures fall. Celebrations in Bethlehem and Damascus were cautiously hopeful, while political leaders offered contrasting seasonal messages elsewhere.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Direct Russia–Ukraine Talks and Highlights Gaza Crisis in First Christmas Message
Scouts march during celebrations outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem (HAZEM BADER)(HAZEM BADER/AFP/AFP)
Pope Leo XIV used his first Christmas message to appeal for direct, sincere dialogue between Russia and Ukraine and to draw attention to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Speaking to an estimated crowd of about 26,000 in St Peter's Square, the US-born pontiff denounced the "senselessness" of war and urged solidarity with people in need across Europe and beyond.
Call For Dialogue Over Ukraine
Addressing the conflict in Ukraine, the pope said:
"Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine. May the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue."In recent weeks, Russian and Ukrainian officials have held separate talks with US mediators about proposals aimed at ending the war that began with Russia's February 2022 invasion. The conflict has killed tens of thousands, devastated eastern Ukraine and forced millions to flee their homes.
Gaza's Humanitarian Emergency
In his first Christmas homily as pope, Leo spoke of the bleak conditions in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands remain in makeshift shelters amid wintry weather. "How... can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold," he said, adding that many people there "have nothing left and have lost everything." The United Nations estimates that roughly 1.3 million people in Gaza currently need shelter assistance and has warned of a rising risk of hypothermia as temperatures fall.
Voices From The Ground
After a Christmas Mass at Gaza's only Roman Catholic church, Palestinian Christian Elias al-Jalda told AFP: "We hope this year will mark the beginning of a new phase — one defined by a complete end to the war and the return of life to Gaza." The pope's remarks echoed the widespread concern about civilian suffering across the region.
Celebrations Tempered By Conflict
In Bethlehem, Christians celebrated a more joyful Christmas than in recent years. Hundreds attended Mass at the Church of the Nativity and joined a parade along Star Street as lights and decorations returned to Manger Square. "Today is full of joy because we haven't been able to celebrate because of the war," said 17-year-old Milagros Anstas.
Hope And Caution In Syria
Damascus' Old City was lit with festive lights despite lingering fear after a deadly attack in June. Shopkeepers and vendors decorated the area while Christians expressed a cautious hope for a safer future. "Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future," said 20-year-old student Loris Aasaf.
Diverging Political Responses Elsewhere
Outside religious circles, political leaders offered contrasting seasonal messages. In the United States, President Donald Trump released a divisive greeting that singled out political opponents by name, while in Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed solemn condolences following a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14. Severe weather in California also disrupted the holidays, prompting emergency declarations and evacuations in parts of Los Angeles.
Context: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently outlined key elements of a peace plan after talks with US negotiators, but Russia has shown little willingness to compromise, reiterating hardline demands. The pope's call for courage and dialogue was framed against this broader diplomatic backdrop and ongoing humanitarian crises.
