Pope Leo XIV has called for 24 hours of peace worldwide at Christmas and once again urged a ceasefire. This was reported by Vatican News.
On the evening of December 23, speaking to journalists outside the Papal residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff appealed to “all people of good will” to observe at least one day of peace during the celebration of Christ’s Nativity. Commenting on the situation in Ukraine, the Pope said he was “truly deeply saddened” that Russia had apparently rejected the request for a Christmas truce and expressed hope that the call for a ceasefire would be heard.
Addressing the situation in the Middle East, Leo XIV recalled discussions on the second phase of the truce and mentioned the recent visit of Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa to Gaza. The Pope said he remains in contact with the parish priest of the Holy Family parish in Gaza, noting that the local community is trying to celebrate Christmas amid an extremely fragile situation.
The Pope also commented on a recent decision by authorities in the U.S. state of Illinois, who approved a law allowing assisted suicide for terminally ill adults. He said he had discussed the issue openly with Governor J. B. Pritzker during a November audience at the Vatican and expressed deep disappointment over the signing of the law. Concluding his remarks, Leo XIV urged people during the Christmas season to reflect on the value of human life and voiced hope that respect for life would be strengthened at all stages — from conception to natural death.