Pope Leo has told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo that he was saddened by Russia's refusal to agree to a Christmas ceasefire in the war against Ukraine which has been going on for almost four years.
Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Speaking to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Pope said that "among the things that cause me much sadness is that apparently Russia has refused a ceasefire request."
"I will make an appeal one more time to people of good will to respect at least Christmas Day as a day of peace," Leo said.
"Maybe they will listen to us and there will be at least 24 hours, a day of peace, across the world," he added.
Last week, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov effectively rejected a call by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a possible ceasefire in the war over Christmas.
The Kremlin responded that they didn't want " a ceasefire that would give Kyiv a respite and an opportunity to prepare for continuing the war, but a full-fledged peace".
Kusko25 on December 24th, 2025 at 12:22 UTC »
One of the downsides of how we write headlines is that everything always seems like an official statement someone deliberately announced, rather than just something that came up in conversation with a reporter/podcaster. He literally just said that he is sad that Russia refused a ceasefire during a conversation in front of his house.
Niceguy955 on December 24th, 2025 at 10:13 UTC »
It causes Ukrainians even more sadness.
Gundarium_Alchemist on December 24th, 2025 at 08:10 UTC »
War stuff aside, Russia is not a Catholic country. Why would the Pope think Putin would do anything he hinted at?