Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday called for a global truce on Christmas Day, urging all warring parties to observe 24 hours of peace and expressing sadness over Russia’s apparent rejection of a truce proposal in its war with Ukraine. Speaking at his residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pope said peace efforts in Ukraine without European diplomatic involvement were “unrealistic” and warned that US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan could bring a “huge change” to the transatlantic alliance.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a nuclear submarine plant in Sinpo and received a message from Russian President Vladimir Putin praising the “invincible friendship” between their countries, state media reported. The visit highlighted North Korea’s efforts to advance nuclear-capable submarine development and underscored deepening military and political ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and international sanctions. Authorities showcased submarine construction, modernization plans, and strategic cooperation, while outside verification of the plant’s capabilities remained unavailable.

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Mass as pope at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, greeting thousands of faithful in rainy St. Peter’s Square and emphasizing faith, charity, and hope in his homily. The 70-year-old U.S. pontiff criticized a “distorted economy,” renewed a call for a global Christmas truce, and prepared to deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing. The 2025 Christmas celebrations also marked the close of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, which brought millions of pilgrims to Rome.