Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas message delivered in the Vatican, urged Ukraine and the Russian Federation to find the courage for direct negotiations aimed at ending the war. Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square on December 25, the pontiff particularly emphasized the necessity of dialogue between the parties involved in the conflict.
This is reported by Kyiv24
“Let us especially pray for the suffering Ukrainian people: may the roar of weapons cease, and may the parties involved, supported by the efforts of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue.”
The New Pontiff and His Initial Addresses
Leo XIV, 70-year-old American Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected pope following the death of Pope Francis in May 2025, known for his controversial statements regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war. The new head of the Roman Catholic Church chose the papal name Leo XIV, and in his first prayer after his election, he called on world powers to prevent new wars, emphasizing the importance of genuine peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Lack of Political Dialogue and Positions of the Parties
Recently, there has been no information in the public domain regarding the possibility of direct negotiations or a meeting between the presidents of Ukraine and Russia. The President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly stressed the need for new elections in Ukraine, labeling the current president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as “illegitimate” due to the expiration of his term in 2024. At the same time, Ukrainian legislation does not allow for elections during a state of war, which has been in effect since February 24, 2022. Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly stated his readiness to organize elections only on the condition of receiving convincing security guarantees from Western partners.