Pope Francis has called for a “negotiation” to end the war in Ukraine in a Christmas Day message where he appealed for weapons to be laid down in global conflicts and reconciliation between enemies.

The Pope has accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine, but the date is not yet known.The head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC), Sviatoslav

Pope Francis, the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" Christmas message and blessing from the Vatican at noon local time.

Pope Francis in his Christmas message called for talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the war that followed Moscow's full-scale invasion two years ago.

The pope also voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in his Christmas address, labeling the situation "extremely grave."

The Pope has accepted an invitation to visit Ukraine. However, the date of the visit is not yet known, states the head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, His Beatitude Sviatoslav, according to Radio Svoboda.

Pope Francis has called for a ceasefire on all war fronts in his Sunday prayer ahead of Christmas celebrations, condemning the “cruelty” of bombing schools and hospitals in Ukraine and Gaza

Pope Francis is considering a 2025 visit to Ukraine, but the Vatican has not confirmed a papal visit to the war-hit nation

The pope, who turned 88 Dec. 17, mostly uses a wheelchair and presides over rather than concelebrates most public liturgies. Still, this year he had the longest trip of his papacy and opened the Holy Year 2025 on Dec.

Archbishop Shevchuk has long advocated for a papal visit to Ukraine. Media reports about Pope Francis potentially visiting Ukraine have raised hopes the Holy Father could accept an invitation to visit the war-torn country in 2025.

Pope Francis (In Spanish/English translation): Not just in Gaza. Think of Ukraine. Many kids from Ukraine come here. You know something? That those children don't know how to smile? I'll say ...

Donnelly says he didn’t go looking for the ambassador’s job, but he took it because President Biden asked him to.