on Thursday used his Christmas Day message to appeal for peace in regions scarred by conflict, demanding an end to violence in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Addressing tens of thousands assembled in St. Peter’s Square for his inaugural Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” address, Latin for “to the city and to the world,” Pope Leo prayed for “justice, peace and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel and Syria.”

The pontiff then addressed the , urging believers to pray for Ukraine’s “tormented people.”

“May the noise of weapons stop, and may those involved, with the backing and dedication of the international community, muster the courage to participate in honest, straightforward and respectful talks,” he stated.

Pope Leo also recalled civilians trapped in other conflicts, including areas of Africa and Asia, and prayed for peace for those enduring political instability, and terrorism.

He called on global leaders to denounce violence and apathy, emphasizing that peace must be founded on justice, conversation and solidarity with the most vulnerable.

“By becoming human, Jesus embraced our frailty, identifying with each of us: with those who have lost everything and have nothing left, like the ; with those suffering from hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those leaving their homeland to find a future elsewhere, like the numerous refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean or traveling across the American continent,” the pontiff said.

“On this sacred day, let us open our hearts to our brothers and sisters who are suffering or in distress. By doing this, we open our hearts to the Child Jesus, who receives us with open arms and shows us his divinity,” he added.

Pope Leo, the first pope born in the United States, was chosen in May after the death of and has made peace appeals a key focus of his early papacy.

He has consistently demanded an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and has held meetings with as part of his diplomatic efforts.

The Vatican that Pope Leo has shown readiness to host delegates from both Russia and Ukraine for peace talks, a stance he has upheld.