Pope Leo XIV expressed his "sadness" on Tuesday in dialogue with journalists in Castel Gandolfo over Russia's rejection of a Christmas truce and renewed his call to respect 24 hours of peace in the world.
"I make this call once again to all people of good will to respect, at least during the feast of the Savior's birth, a day of peace," declared the Pontiff, in response to questions from journalists as he left Villa Barberini, reported the site Vatican News, seen by the Argentine News Agency.
Regarding Ukraine, where massive Russian attacks have struck various regions in recent hours, Pope Leo stated: "Among the things that cause me great sadness these days is the fact that, apparently, Russia has rejected the request for a Christmas truce."
The Bishop of Rome thus reiterated his call for a moment of truce at Christmas: "I hope they listen and there will be 24 hours, a day of peace in the whole world."
With an eye still on another war front, that of the Middle East—where the 'Phase 2' of the ceasefire is being debated—Leo XIV recalled the "beautiful visit" that Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, made to Gaza these days. "I was in contact with the parish priest," referring to Father Gabriel Romanelli of the Holy Family church in the city of Gaza.
"I am very disappointed by this," the Pontiff emphasized.
Pope Leo XIV rested and worked in Castel Gandolfo As every week, the Pope spent his day of rest and work in the Lazio municipality. The chosen phrase is taken from Sermon 26 of the first pope to bear that name, Saint Leo the Great. The cheers of the people, the singing of "Jingle Bells" and other Christmas carols, along with the music of the Castel Gandolfo municipal band, greeted his departure from Villa Barberini.
"The Lord's Christmas is the Christmas of Peace," Pope Leo recalled on a card, prepared by the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household. It conveys his first wishes for the Lord's Nativity and the Jubilee of hope.
"They are trying to celebrate a holiday in a situation that remains very precarious. And unfortunately, for various reasons, he decided to sign that bill. We hope —added Robert Prevost— that the agreement for peace will move forward."
Disappointment over assisted suicide law in Illinois Regarding the United States, the Pope commented on the recent approval in his home state of Illinois of a law that allows assisted suicide for adults with terminal illnesses and a prognosis of six months or less, which will take effect in September 2026. Leo XIV explained that he had already addressed the matter "very explicitly" with Governor JB Pritzker during the audience in the Vatican last November: "At that time, the bill was already on his desk."
"We were very clear about the need to respect the sacredness of life, from beginning to end."
