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Pope Leo XIV Saddened by Russia’s Rejection of Christmas Ceasefire as Moscow Keeps Bombing Ukraine
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Pope Leo XIV told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo in Italy that he was saddened by Russia’s refusal to agree to a Christmas ceasefire in its war against Ukraine, which has been ongoing for nearly four years. This was reported by Reuters on December 24.
“Among the things that cause me much sadness is that apparently Russia has refused a ceasefire request,” the pope said while speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo.
“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 dismissed a call by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for a possible Christmas ceasefire in the war.
“We want peace; we do not want a ceasefire that would give Ukraine a respite and allow it to prepare for continuing the war. We want to stop this war, achieve our goals, secure our interests, and guarantee peace in Europe for the future. That is what we want,” Peskov told journalists when asked how Moscow viewed Berlin’s proposal for a Christmas truce.
During the night of December 24, Russian forces attacked the city of Chernihiv and Zaporizhzhia with strike drones, causing fires and damage to civilian infrastructure. The strikes damaged residential buildings, private homes, a kindergarten, and another educational facility in Chernihiv, as reported by the Chernihiv regional police. At least 13 apartment buildings were damaged in the attack on Zaporizhzhia. Three people have been reported injured so far.
Earlier, Dominican nun Sister Lucía Caram revealed that Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, left her money in his will to purchase ambulances for Ukraine, Religión Digital reported on December 2.
-72b63a4e0c8c475ad81fe3eed3f63729.jpeg "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")