Speaking from the Vatican, the Pope urged all sides to observe at least one day of peace during the Christmas period, emphasizing the moral responsibility to protect civilians and allow humanitarian assistance to reach those affected by the conflict.
His appeal came as fighting continued across multiple regions of Ukraine, with authorities reporting missile and drone strikes causing damage to civilian infrastructure. Efforts by international mediators to secure a pause in fighting have so far failed.
The Vatican has consistently positioned itself as a voice for dialogue and reconciliation since the start of the war, calling for negotiations, respect for international law and the protection of non-combatants amid one of Europe’s most severe conflicts in decades.
