Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas message before the 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing, called for «justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria,» and asked for «the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue» to end the war in Ukraine.
Appearing from the balcony of the facade of St. Peter's Basilica, where on May 8 he presented himself as the new pontiff, Robert Prevost stated that «each of us can and must do what is necessary to reject hatred, violence, and confrontation, and to practice dialogue, peace, and reconciliation».
And in his first Christmas as pope, before thousands of people who came to St. Peter's Square despite the rain, the pontiff of American and Peruvian origin wanted to send a special greeting «to all Christians living in the Middle East,» recalling his recent trip to Lebanon.
«I have heard their fears and I know well their feeling of powerlessness before the power dynamics that overwhelm them,» he added, then asking God for «justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria».
He urged to pray «in a special way for the afflicted Ukrainian people, so that the roar of arms may cease and the parties involved, with the support of the international community, may find the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue».
He entrusted «the Prince of Peace» with the entire European continent, asking «that He may continue to inspire a spirit of community and collaboration, faithful to its Christian roots and history, and be supportive and welcoming to those in need».
The pope also prayed for peace in «forgotten wars,» mentioning Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He called for an end to all forms of violence in Haiti and for Jesus to inspire political leaders in Latin America to seek dialogue for the common good.
Concluding, Pope Leo XIV affirmed that «the Birth of the Lord is the Birth of peace» and wished everyone «a serene Christmas from the heart».
