Pope Leo expresses 'much sadness' about Russia refusing Christmas ceasefire


Pope Leo XIV holds a general audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican, December 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca

VATICAN CITY, ‌Dec 23 (Reuters) - Pope Leo ‌said on Tuesday that he ‌feels "much sadness" that Russia did not agree to a Christmas ceasefire ‍in its nearly four-year ‍old war ‌with Ukraine.

"Among the things that cause ‍me ​much sadness is that apparently Russia ⁠has refused a ceasefire request," the ‌pope told journalists outside his residence ⁠in ‍Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

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