Call for Global Ceasefire on Christmas Day 2025, Pope Leo XIV: Russia Appears to Reject

JAKARTA - Pope Leo XIV called for a global ceasefire during the Christmas Day celebration in 2025. He expressed deep willingness because Russia seemed to reject the request.

"I renew my appeal to all people of good will to respect the day of peace - at least on the feast of the birth of our Savior," Leo told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, quoted by AFP, Wednesday, December 24.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, saying it would only give Ukraine a military advantage.

"Among the things that make me very sad is the fact that Russia seems to have rejected the request for a ceasefire," the Pope said.

Referring to the conflict in general, Leo said: "I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace around the world," he added.

Ukraine on Tuesday December 23 pulled troops from a city in the country's east after fierce fighting with Russian forces. Meanwhile, Russia's relentless attacks killed three civilians and cut off electricity to thousands of people in the middle of freezing winter temperatures.

There is no sign of a breakthrough soon after the main negotiators from Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with US officials trying to reach an agreement to end nearly four years of fighting.

Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month.

When asked if he would accept Zelensky's invitation to visit Ukraine, Leo then said "I hope so," but warned that it was impossible to say when such a trip would be possible.