US EditionPope Leo expresses 'much sadness' about Russia refusing Christmas ceasefire
Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for a 24-hour ceasefire after Russia declined the request, highlighting ongoing deadly strikes and precarious war conditions, urging global respect for peace.
- On December 22, 2025, Pope Leo XIV received Roman Curia employees and families in the Paul VI Hall, Vatican, expressing great sadness that Russia apparently rejected a Christmas truce request.
- Russia's wider campaign has included massive raids killing three civilians and cutting power amid freezing temperatures, while Russian forces invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and rejected ceasefire calls after Miami meetings.
- Using direct appeals, Pope Leo said, `I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace` and mentioned contact with Father Gabriel Romanelli, urging progress in Gaza peace efforts.
- Turning to U.S. policy, the Pope expressed disappointment at Illinois approving assisted suicide for adults with terminal illnesses starting September 2026 and lamented Governor J.B. Pritzker's decision despite his pleas.
- Earlier this month, after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky, Pope Leo said `I hope so` about visiting Ukraine but warned peace without European diplomacy was "unrealistic".
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156 Articles
Pope Leo XIV condemns Russia for rejecting Christmas holiday ceasefire in Ukraine
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, condemned Russia for rejecting a holiday ceasefire in Ukraine. He also highlighted humanitarian crises in Gaza, global homelessness, and the plight of migrants, urging care and compassion for the vulnerable.
Even before the traditional Christmette, the Pope sent an appeal to the world: for Christmas he asked for a one-day global halt in violence. What he gave to the faithful on Christmas Eve.
Even before the traditional Christmette, the Pope sent an appeal to the world: he asked for a one-day halt to violence at Christmas. What he gave to the faithful on Christmas Eve.In his first Christmette in Rome, Pope Leo XIV called for humanity and peace. He gave no place to God on earth if there was no room for man. "Do not accept one of them, but where there is room for man, there is also room for God," said the Pontiff in the fully occupied …
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Marks Fourth Wartime Christmas After Russia Rejects Truce
In his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainians were marking a fourth Christmas under Russia’s full-scale war and that Russia had rejected a proposed Christmas truce and struck Ukraine’s energy system on December 24. Zelenskyy stated that Russia “not only rejected the proposal to stop the killings at least on this holy day,” but also carried out a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastruc…
Pope Leo XIV called yesterday for a one-day global truce for Christmas and expressed his "great sadness" because "Russia seems to have rejected the petition." "I renew my call to all people of good will to respect a day of peace, at least on the feast of the birth of our Savior," the Pontiff declared to journalists in the residence of Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. "Perhaps they will listen to us and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole wor…
The pontiff restored liturgical traditions abandoned three decades ago and called for 24 hours of world peace after Russia’s rejection of a Christmas truce
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