POPE Leo XIV on Tuesday called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing “great sadness” that Russia apparently rejected the request.
Here at home, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) president Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, in his Christmas message, urged Filipinos to hold on to hope and unity, saying the coming of Christ brings lasting joy and renews the call to pray and work for peace.
“I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace—at least on the feast of the birth of our Savior,” Leo told reporters at his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome.
Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and has repeatedly rejected calls for a ceasefire, arguing that it would only give a military advantage to Ukraine.
“Among the things that cause me great sadness is the fact that Russia has apparently rejected a request for a truce,” the Pope said.
Referring to conflicts in general, Pope Leo said: “I hope they will listen and there will be 24 hours of peace in the whole world.”
Ukraine on Tuesday pulled out troops from a town in the east of the country after fierce battles with Russian forces as relentless strikes by Moscow killed three civilians and cut power to thousands in freezing winter temperatures.
There was no sign of an imminent breakthrough after top negotiators from both Russia and Ukraine were in Miami last weekend for separate meetings with United States officials seeking a deal to end almost four years of fighting.
Pope Leo met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier this month.
Asked if he would accept Zelensky’s invitation to visit Ukraine, Leo later said “I hope so,” but cautioned it was not possible to say when such a trip would be possible.
He also said seeking peace in Ukraine without European diplomatic involvement was “unrealistic” and warned US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan risked a “huge change” in the transatlantic alliance.
Garcera said Christmas reminds people that hope is not merely a feeling but a responsibility that must be lived out through compassion, solidarity, and service to others, especially the poor and those affected by hardship.
He emphasized that the birth of Christ is a sign that light can overcome darkness, encouraging Filipinos not to give in to fear, division, or despair amid ongoing social, economic, and global challenges.
The CBCP president also called on families, communities, and leaders to become instruments of peace by promoting understanding, forgiveness, and respect for human dignity.
He encouraged the faithful to deepen their prayer life during the Christmas season and translate their faith into concrete actions that foster unity and justice. According to Garcera, true Christmas joy is found not in material celebrations but in shared love, faith, and a renewed commitment to the common good.
