Pope Leo XIV on Thursday urged Russia and Ukraine to find the “courage” to hold direct talks and spoke about the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza in his first Christmas message.
The US-born pope, elected by fellow cardinals in May following the death of Pope Francis, also condemned the “senselessness” of war and the “rubble and open wounds” it leaves behind.
Addressing a crowd of around 26,000 in St Peter’s Square, he called for “solidarity with and acceptance of those in need” in Europe – a possible reference to rising anti-immigration sentiment on the continent.
“Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine,” he said.
“May the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue,” he added.
Russian and Ukrainian officials have held separate talks with US negotiators in recent weeks over proposals to end the war, which began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Tens of thousands have been killed, eastern Ukraine has been decimated, and millions have been forced to flee their homes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky this week outlined key points of a plan to end the conflict, but Russian President Vladimir Putin has so far shown no willingness to compromise, doubling down on hardline demands.
‘Return of life’
In his first Christmas homily as pontiff, Leo addressed the grim conditions in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands remain in temporary shelters in wintry weather weeks after a fragile ceasefire.
“How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind, and cold?” the pope said, noting that the territory’s inhabitants “have nothing left and have lost everything.”
The UN estimates that 1.3 million people in Gaza currently need shelter assistance and has warned of the rising risk of hypothermia as temperatures drop.
“The war, in all its forms, has been harsh on everyone living on this land,” Elias al-Jalda, a Palestinian Christian from Gaza, told AFP after attending Christmas mass at Gaza’s only Roman Catholic church.
“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,” he added.
Joy in Bethlehem
In Bethlehem, Christians celebrated their first festive Christmas in more than two years as the occupied West Bank city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza.
Hundreds of worshippers attended mass on Wednesday night at the Church of the Nativity, the biblical birthplace of Jesus. Crowds also took part in the parade down Star Street, while a dense gathering massed in the town square.
“Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war,” said Milagros Anstas, 17.
Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families posed for photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star. Multi-coloured lights illuminated Manger Square, and a towering Christmas tree glittered beside the Church of the Nativity.
Hope in Syria
In Syria, Christmas lights brightened Damascus’s Old City despite lingering fears among Christians following a deadly attack in June. Trees were decorated with red baubles, shops displayed festive decorations, and street vendors sold warm chestnuts.
“Syria deserves joy, for us to be happy and to hope for a new future,” said student Loris Aasaf, 20.
Elsewhere, the holiday season was marked by contrasting messages. In the United States, President Donald Trump wished a Merry Christmas “to everyone, including the radical left-wing scum,” referring to Democrats. Severe weather in California disrupted celebrations, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in Los Angeles and order evacuations.
In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered a sombre message following the deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14.
“After the terror inflicted on Jewish Australians celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, we feel the weight of sorrow in our hearts,” he said.
