Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace in First Christmas Address
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi address from St. Peter’s Basilica on December 25, 2025. As the first US-born pope, elected in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis, he called for an end to violence in the Middle East, specifically praying for peace and stability in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria.
He also addressed the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, urging prayers for the Ukrainian people and encouraging combatants and the international community to pursue dialogue and respectful engagement. Pope Leo XIV highlighted the suffering of civilians affected by conflicts, including those in Gaza and Yemen, as well as the plight of refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean and the American continent.
The pope urged global leaders to reject violence and indifference, and to base peace efforts on justice, dialogue, and solidarity with the most vulnerable populations. Earlier in July 2025, the Vatican reported that Pope Leo expressed his willingness to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
