Vatican City, December 25th – Pope Leo XIV today urged, in his Christmas Message, a responsible pursuit of peace through dialogue and reconciliation to end the conflicts afflicting humanity.
In his words spoken at noon this Thursday, before imparting the traditional Urbi et Orbi Blessing in front of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father expressed that “this is the path to peace: responsibility.”
“If each of us, at all levels, instead of accusing others, first acknowledged our own faults and at the same time put ourselves in the place of those who suffer, and showed solidarity with the weakest and most oppressed, then the world would change,” the Supreme Pontiff reaffirmed.
In this regard, “each of us can and must do what is expected of us to reject hatred, violence, and confrontation, and to practice dialogue, peace, and reconciliation,” he added.
The Bishop of Rome referred to the complex situation in the Middle East and implored for "justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria," as well as in relation to the conflict in Ukraine, "so that the noise of weapons may cease."
"May the parties involved, with the support of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue," he requested concerning the armed confrontation between Kiev and Moscow.
He also mourned the bloody clashes in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as the serious problems afflicting "the beloved people of Haiti," and demanded that "all forms of violence cease in that country."
To those who have political responsibilities in Latin America, he called upon them so that, when facing numerous challenges, space is given to dialogue for the common good,” and he also spoke in favor of restoring hope to the younger generations in Myanmar, through the paths of peace.
The pontiff wished in his Christmas message that “the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia be restored, and that the parties involved continue striving for reconciliation and peace.”
He lamented the recent devastating natural disasters that severely affected entire populations in South Asia and Oceania, and invited everyone “to renew with conviction the common commitment to help those who suffer.”
He expressed solidarity with the inhabitants of Gaza, where more than 70,000 Palestinians died due to Israeli attacks, as well as with “those who suffer from hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people,” and with “the numerous refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or travel across the American continent.”
Previously, at the Christmas Mass held at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope expressed that “when the fragility of others pierces our hearts, when the pain of others shatters our unshakable certainties, then peace already begins.”
“Peace is born among ruins that cry out for new solidarity; it is born from dreams and visions,” emphasized Leo XIV.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
