Photo Credit: Reuters/BBC
By Aaron Humes: In his first Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV has called on Ukraine and Russia to find the “courage” to engage in direct talks to end the war, the BBC reports. Speaking to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged the parties involved to “cease the clamor of weapons” and engage in “sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue” with the support of the international community.
The Pope’s plea comes as U.S.-led negotiations continue to seek a deal to end the fighting, with the U.S. attempting to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow. However, direct talks between the warring parties have not taken place during this latest round of diplomatic efforts.
Pope Leo also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people are living in temporary shelters in harsh winter conditions. He asked, “How can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind, and cold?”
The Pope’s message also addressed conflicts in other parts of the world, including Thailand and Cambodia, where deadly border clashes have flared up despite a ceasefire. He called for the restoration of “ancient friendship” and reconciliation in the region.
In his Christmas Day sermon, Pope Leo lamented the conditions faced by homeless people worldwide and the damage caused by conflicts, saying, “Fragile is the flesh of defenseless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds.”
The post The Pope at Christmas: Ukraine and Russia urged to hold direct talks to end war appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Photo Credit: Reuters/BBC By Aaron Humes: In his first Christmas message, Pope Leo XIV has called on Ukraine and Russia to find the “courage” to engage in direct talks to end the war, the BBC reports. Speaking to crowds in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope urged the parties involved to “cease the clamor of weapons”
The post The Pope at Christmas: Ukraine and Russia urged to hold direct talks to end war appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
