Pope Leo has something big on his Christmas list: peace in the world, at least for one day.
POPE LEO XIV
Once again I make this appeal to all people of good will: that they respect, at least on the feast of the birth of the Savior, a day of peace. Perhaps they will listen to us and there will be 24 hours, one day of peace, throughout the world.
The Pope made this request the day before Christmas Eve as he was leaving Castel Gandolfo. It has become customary for him to answer a round of questions from journalists whenever he leaves the papal residence.
Pope Leo also took the opportunity to note that he had spoken by phone with Father Romanelli in Gaza to learn how the situation in the Holy Land continues to unfold.
POPE LEO XIV
Just an hour ago I was in contact with the parish priest; they are trying to celebrate the feast in the midst of a situation that is still very precarious.
The Pope also expressed his dismay that Russia allegedly refused the request for a Christmas truce, and he hopes the Church's call for peace will make a difference.
This is the one gift Pope Leo has asked for on the first Christmas of his papacy. He will celebrate the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass on the night of the 24th as well as the one on Christmas Day—a few of the last important dates of the Holy Jubilee Year of 2025.
