Democracy Dies in Darkness

Pope Leo speaks about Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan in his first Christmas address

The pope called for peace, especially for the victims of “forgotten” wars, naming several conflicts in Africa.

Pope Leo XIV gestures after delivering the traditional Christmas Day Urbi et Orbi speech from St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. (Yara Nardi/Reuters)

In his first Christmas Day address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted conditions in Gaza, saying its inhabitants “have nothing left and have lost everything,” as he called for peace talks to end conflicts around the world.

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