Pope Leo urges world leaders to reflect true meaning of Christmas

…Renew appeal for global peace

Pope Leo XIV has called on the world leaders and Christian faithful across the globe to reflect the true meaning of Christmas, just as he renewed his appeal for peace.

“Today, true peace has come down to us from heaven,” Pope Leo proclaimed in his Christmas Urbi et Orbi address, saying peace is a shared responsibility.

Pope Leo stated that Jesus is peace because Christ frees humanity from sin and shows faithful the way to overcome conflicts, either interpersonal or international.

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He added that it is impossible to be “men and women of peace or builders of peace,” without hearts that have been forgiven.

The Pope however warned Christian faithful and world leaders against indifference, reminding the world that “God is not indifferent to our distress.”

Pope Leo XIV recalled that, in becoming man, Jesus “took upon Himself our fragility,” identifying with those who suffer today: with the inhabitants of Gaza, the Yemeni people, refugees and migrants, the unemployed, exploited workers, and prisoners who often live in inhumane conditions.

The Pope also prayed for peace in troubled regions of the world, and urged that the promise of peace rooted in righteousness be renewed.

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“Justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria,” he said, also appealing in a particular way for Ukraine, asking that “the clamour of weapons cease.”

Pope Leo also urged those involved in peace negotiations, with the support of the international community, find the courage to engage in “sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue.”

He therefore expressed closeness to the victims of war and violence in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to all those who suffer as a result of injustice, political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism.