Pope Leo expressed his sadness over Russia’s rejection of a Christmas ceasefire in the ongoing war with Ukraine. Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, he appealed to people of goodwill to observe Christmas Day as a day of peace, hoping for at least a 24-hour cessation of hostilities. This follows a previous rejection by the Kremlin of a potential ceasefire, citing a preference for a comprehensive peace agreement over a temporary respite for Kyiv.
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Pope Leo XIV’s first Sunday address, a plea for global peace, has ignited a firestorm of reactions, ranging from hopeful optimism to cynical skepticism. His simple yet powerful message – “no more war” – resonated deeply with many, but the complexities of achieving such a monumental goal were immediately apparent. Some found his appeal naïve, questioning whether a religious leader could genuinely influence the geopolitical landscape, suggesting that the statement sounded more like a well-meaning but ultimately ineffective wish.
The inherent irony of a religious figure calling for peace wasn’t lost on many. Historical religious conflicts were brought up, highlighting the role of religion in fueling wars throughout history.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood