Pope Leo XIV on the 25th, local time, urged peace in conflict zones including the Palestinian Gaza Strip and Ukraine in his first Christmas message since his election.
According to the Vatican and others, Pope Leo XIV delivered Urbi et Orbi (to Rome and the world) from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica before a crowd of more than 26,000. Urbi et Orbi is the pope's official Christmas message.
Pope Leo XIV said, "Responsibility is the sure path to peace," adding, "If we stop blaming others, acknowledge our own faults, and seek God's forgiveness, the world will change."
Pope Leo XIV said, "Let us ask God for justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria."
He also said, "I pray especially for the suffering people of Ukraine," and added, "I hope they find the courage to engage in dialogue, with the support and commitment of the international community."
Pope Leo XIV also prayed that peace would come to places suffering from political instability, conflict, religious persecution, and terrorism, including Sudan and South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, and Myanmar.
The pope also said of South America that he hopes "those with political responsibility can create a forum for dialogue for the common good over ideological and partisan prejudices."
Finally, the pope urged the faithful to "open your hearts to brothers and sisters who are in hardship and suffering."