Pope Leo XIV's Christmas message called for empathy and solidarity with those suffering worldwide, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and humility to achieve peace amidst ongoing conflicts and crises.
Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated U.S. President Joe Biden on the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S., expressing a desire to work together to promote world peace and development. Despite the positive rhetoric, Xi reiterated China's stance on Taiwan, stating reunification is 'inevitable' and highlighting the tension surrounding the self-ruled island. The exchange comes amid preparations for the U.S. presidential election in November and follows a recent summit aimed at easing tensions between the two superpowers. Xi also reached out to other leaders, including North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Russia's Vladimir Putin, to strengthen regional ties and strategic cooperation.