Media reports say Pope Leo XIV has delivered his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) speech on Christmas Day from a balcony of St Peter's Basilica. The pope has asked people to think about the harsh conditions in Gaza during his Christmas sermon. During the blessing, Pope Leo calls for an end to all wars.
New York Post reports that Pope Leo XIV used his first Christmas Day message to call for an end to hostilities across the globe during an address in front of tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square in Rome.
“May the clamor 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,” Leo said during his first “Urbi et Orbi” address as pope.
He singled out Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria in praying for “justice, peace and stability.
Pope Leo also spared a thought for those in war-torn parts of Africa and Asia, as well as people suffering due to religious persecution, political instability and terrorism around the world.
France 24 reports that the pontiff urged Russia and Ukraine to find the "courage" to hold direct talks to end the war.
Speaking to a crowd of some 26,000 people in St Peter's Square, the pope called for "solidarity with and acceptance of those in need" in Europe – a possible reference to growing 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.
