Rome: Pope Leo XIV has called for a global treaty to honor Christmas Day as a day of universal peace. He urged all people of goodwill to observe at least this sacred day by halting conflict and maintaining peace.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the Pope expressed deep sadness that Russia had rejected his request for a holiday ceasefire.

Key Highlights:

* Russia’s Persistent Stance: Russia, which has been launching continuous attacks on Ukraine since February 2022, has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire. Although Moscow did not agree to a 24-hour peace pact for Christmas, the Pope expressed hope that peace would still prevail across the world.

* Crisis in Ukraine: Ongoing Russian strikes have resulted in civilian casualties in Ukraine. Thousands are struggling without electricity amidst winter snowstorms. Due to the deteriorating situation, Ukraine withdrew its troops from a town in the eastern part of the country on Tuesday.

* Failed Negotiations: Despite top negotiators from Russia and Ukraine holding separate meetings with US officials in Miami to end the nearly four-year-long war, no significant progress was achieved.

* Pope’s Response to Zelenskyy’s Invitation: Having recently met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Pope confirmed he has accepted the invitation to visit Ukraine. However, he stated that the specific date for the visit is yet to be determined.

* Warning Regarding Trump’s Plan: Stating that peace in Ukraine is impossible without European diplomatic involvement, the Pope warned that US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan risks causing a major shift in the Transatlantic alliance.