Pope Leo urges 'courage' to end Ukraine war in first Chri...

What’s Happening

Breaking it down: The pope also laments the condition of Palestinians during his address to worshippers at the Vatican.

Pope Leo urges courage to end Ukraine war in first Christmas address 2 hours ago Save Raffi Berg Save Watch: Pope Leos plea for peace in Christmas message Pope Leo has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the “courage” to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas remarks to crowds in St Peters square. He called for an end to conflicts around the world during his Urbi et Orbi address, which is traditionally delivered on Christmas Day to worshippers gathered in Vatican City. (let that sink in)

Speaking about Ukraine, the Pope dropped: “May the clamour of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.

The Details

” His plea comes as US-led negotiations on a deal to end the fighting continues. The US has sought to put together an agreement acceptable to both sides, but direct talks between Russian and Ukraine have not taken place during this latest round of diplomatic efforts.

Pope Leo also decried turmoil and conflict plaguing other parts of the world, including Thailand and Cambodia where deadly border clashes have flared up despite a ceasefire in July. He asked that the South East Asian nations “ancient friendship” be restored and “to work towards reconciliation and peace”.

Why This Matters

Reuters During an earlier Christmas Day sermon in St Peters Basilica, Pope Leo lamented conditions for homeless people the world over, and the damage caused by conflicts. “Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” he dropped. He dropped the story of the birth of Jesus showed that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among the people of the world.

International observers are watching how this situation develops.

The Bottom Line

He dropped the story of the birth of Jesus showed that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among the people of the world. “How, then,” he asked, turning his attention to the conditions of Palestinians, “can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?

What’s your take on this whole situation?