Pope Leo delivered his first Christmas address from St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on December 25, 2025, where he made a heartfelt plea for peace amid the ongoing Ukraine war. He emphasized the need for both Ukraine and Russia to exhibit courage and engage in direct negotiations to reach a lasting resolution. In his Urbi et Orbi message, he called for an end to the conflict and expressed hope that the international community would support these efforts towards dialogue. The urgency of this call comes as the US continues to facilitate negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow, despite the absence of direct talks during the latest diplomatic efforts. Furthermore, the pope extended his remarks to the broader context of global conflicts. He highlighted the turmoil affecting various regions of the world, including Thailand and Cambodia, where violence has erupted despite previous ceasefires. Leo emphasized the importance of restoring friendship and reconciliation among Southeast Asian nations and called for collaborative efforts toward peace. In addition to addressing international conflicts, Pope Leo lamented the plight of marginalized and homeless populations worldwide during his Christmas sermon at St. Peter's Basilica. He poignantly described the devastating effects of war on vulnerable communities, stating that such conflicts leave behind destruction and suffering. He drew attention to the harsh living conditions faced by the Palestinian people, notably in Gaza, where many are struggling without shelter due to the damage inflicted during an ongoing war that began with a violent attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Pope Leo’s Christmas message resonates with the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, particularly as winter conditions worsen for the two million displaced residents. Aid organizations have been advocating for increased assistance, including shelter and essential supplies. The Israeli military body, Cogat, has been responding to allegations of deliberately restricting aid by citing the delivery of tents and tarpaulins since the ceasefire began. His address serves as a reminder that global conflicts, such as the ongoing situation in Ukraine and the plight of displaced Palestinians, require collaborative efforts towards peace and reconciliation.