Vatican City (EFE).- Pope Leo XIV on Thursday called for peace and stability in the Middle East and urged sincere dialogue to end the war in Ukraine, delivering his first Christmas message as pontiff before the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Speaking from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope appealed for “justice, peace and stability” for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria, and asked that the international community help the parties involved in Ukraine find “the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue” so that “may the clamor of weapons cease.”
“We can and must each do our part to reject hatred, violence and opposition, and to practice dialogue, peace and reconciliation,” said the pope, who was elected in May.
Addressing thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square despite the rain, the US-and Peruvian-born pontiff sent a special greeting to Christians in the Middle East, recalling his recent visit to Lebanon.
“I listened to them as they expressed their fears and know well their sense of powerlessness before the power dynamics that overwhelm them,” he said.
The pope also entrusted “the entire European continent to the Prince of Peace,” urging Europe to remain faithful to “its Christian roots and history” while fostering solidarity and cooperation and welcoming those in need.
He called for peace and comfort for victims of “all current wars in the world, especially those that are forgotten,” citing conflicts in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He also appealed for an end to violence in Haiti and for progress toward peace and reconciliation.
He urged political leaders in Latin America to prioritize dialogue for the common good over ideological or partisan divisions, and mentioned ongoing suffering in Myanmar, tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, and recent natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania.
The pope said Jesus identifies with the world’s most vulnerable, including the people of Gaza, those facing hunger in Yemen, migrants and refugees, the unemployed, exploited workers, prisoners and young people struggling to find work.
He concluded by saying that “the Lord’s birth is the birth of peace,” wishing everyone a serene Christmas. EFE
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