Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Zelensky and Pope Condemn Russia on Christmas Eve
On Christmas Eve, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV spoke about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
They both wished for peace and criticized Russia for not agreeing to a temporary truce during the holiday.
Zelensky asked for peace, family harmony, and happiness for children.
He also expressed hope for Ukraine's continued existence.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, asked for one day of peace worldwide and highlighted the suffering of people in Ukraine, Gaza, and other conflict zones.
He emphasized the importance of helping the poor and refugees, saying that ignoring their needs is like rejecting God.
Both leaders urged the world to support vulnerable people and work towards peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV addressed their audiences on Christmas Eve, emphasizing the need for peace and criticizing Russia's refusal of a holiday ceasefire.
Zelensky mentioned a traditional belief about making a single wish on Christmas Eve and emphasized asking for peace, family harmony, and children's joy.
Pope Leo XIV called for a global day of peace and highlighted the suffering of Ukrainians, Gazans, and other refugees due to ongoing conflicts.
Both leaders condemned Russia's rejection of a Christmas truce and urged international efforts to support vulnerable populations.
The addresses came as Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian territory, and the pope also addressed the fragile ceasefire in Gaza and the plight of migrants and the homeless worldwide.
- Who
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV
- What
- Addressed the nation and global audience on Christmas Eve, expressing wishes for peace and resilience amidst ongoing conflicts
- When
- Christmas Eve
- Where
- Ukraine and Rome
- Why
- To inspire hope and resilience amidst ongoing conflict with Russia and to highlight global humanitarian crises
Ukraine and Pope
Russia
Christmas Ceasefire
Ukraine and Pope
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Pope Leo XIV called for a Christmas ceasefire and condemned Russia's refusal.
Russia
Russia rejected the request for a Christmas truce.
- Speaker 1
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Speaker 2
- Pope Leo XIV
- Occasion
- Christmas Eve
- Main Wish
- Peace for Ukraine
- Additional Wishes
- Family harmony, children's joy, faith in goodness
- Conclusion
- Victory of peace, resilience of Ukraine
- Conflict
- Ukraine-Russia war
- Other Conflicts Mentioned
- Gaza, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia
Sources
‘May he perish’: Zelensky declares Ukrainians’ Christmas wish for Putin
‘May he perish’: Zelenskyy’s death wish on Christmas for Putin as Russia launches fresh strikes
Pope Leo XIV condemns Russia for rejecting Christmas holiday ceasefire in Ukraine
'May Clamour Of Weapons Cease': Pope Leo XIV’s First Christmas Plea For Peace, From Ukraine War To Gaza
