Pope Leo XIV's First Christmas Plea: End Wars in Ukraine, Gaza; Urges Dialogue

• Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas "Urbi et Orbi" address, urging Ukraine and Russia to engage in "sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue" to end the war.
• The American-born pontiff, elected in May 2025, called for the "clamor of weapons to cease" from St Peter's Basilica to 26,000 faithful.
• He highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, comparing the "fragile tents" to Jesus' birth, noting inhabitants "have nothing left."
• Pope Leo revived traditions like morning liturgy and wishing "Merry Christmas" in multiple languages, including English and Spanish.
• His message extended to global conflicts, seeking "justice, peace, and stability" in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Myanmar, and Haiti, urging solidarity with the oppressed.

Why It Matters: Pope Leo XIV's inaugural Christmas message calls for global peace, dialogue in Ukraine, and aid for Gaza.