In a recent appeal, Pope Leo XIV has called upon individuals of goodwill to observe a 24-hour cessation of hostilities globally during the Christmas period.
The pontiff expressed profound sorrow regarding Russia's dismissal of a proposed brief ceasefire, especially in the context of its intensified military actions against Ukraine.
"May there be 24 hours of peace throughout the world," he stated to journalists on Tuesday evening.
Having assumed the papacy in May, Leo is set to conduct his inaugural Christmas Eve Mass at St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday, where he is anticipated to denounce warfare and violence while acknowledging the hardships faced by non-combatants.
On Christmas Day, the pope will present the customary Christmas address in St Peter's Square. As the spiritual guide to approximately 1.4 billion Catholics, he will bestow the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, with a large congregation anticipated.
During his remarks on Tuesday, the pope also touched upon the Middle East situation, mentioning a conversation with a parish priest in Gaza City. He noted that residents there are endeavoring to observe Christmas under severely challenging circumstances.
