Pope Leo XIV, during the Christmas season, sent greetings to Christians, especially those living in the Middle East, calling for peace in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria.

He also urged Ukraine and Russia to show "courage" to engage in a "sincere and direct" dialogue amid international diplomatic efforts to end the war that has been ongoing for nearly four years.

In his message "to the city of Rome and the world," he said: "We pray especially for the suffering Ukrainian people, that the noise of weapons may cease, and that the concerned parties, supported by the commitment of the international community, may find the courage for sincere, direct, and noble dialogue."

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