Pope's First Christmas Message: "Stop the Violence"
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Pope Leo XIV has used his first Christmas message to call for an end to major global conflicts. He specifically urged peace in the Middle East and in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The new Pope addressed world leaders directly. He called on them to reject violence and instead embrace dialogue as the only path forward.
The annual Christmas message is a major event. It is delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. This was the first for Pope Leo XIV, who was elected earlier this year.