In a heartfelt address from St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Christmas Day message on Thursday, urging the faithful to overcome their indifference towards those suffering worldwide. He highlighted the plight of individuals who have lost everything, particularly referencing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the impoverished in Yemen, and the countless migrants risking their lives while crossing the Mediterranean Sea and traversing the American continent in pursuit of a better future.
On this significant occasion, the first U.S. pontiff addressed approximately 26,000 people gathered below the loggia of St. Peter's Square. His traditional papal Urbi et Orbi address, which translates to “To the City and to the World,” encapsulated the various challenges facing humanity today. Despite facing a steady downpour during the Mass inside the basilica, the rain cleared by the time Pope Leo embarked on a brief tour of the square in his popemobile, where he greeted the crowd from the loggia.
Pope Leo rejuvenated the tradition of delivering Christmas greetings in multiple languages, a practice set aside by his predecessor, Pope Francis. The crowd erupted in cheers, especially when he addressed them in his native English and Spanish, the latter reflecting his time in Peru as both a missionary and archbishop. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm as someone shouted, “Viva il papa!” or “Long live the pope!” before he retreated into the basilica, taking off his glasses for a final wave to the adoring crowd.
During his traditional address, Pope Leo emphasized the importance of individual contributions toward achieving peace through humility and responsibility. “If we genuinely engage with the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world will change,” he stated. He called for justice, peace, and stability in regions such as Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. He also expressed prayers for the tormented people of Ukraine and extended his thoughts to victims of wars, political instability, and religious persecution, mentioning countries like Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Congo.
Furthermore, Pope Leo urged for constructive dialogue to tackle numerous challenges facing Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, the restoration of friendships between Thailand and Cambodia, and assistance for those affected by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania. He poignantly remarked on Jesus' embodiment of humanity, stating, “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those preyed upon by hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; and with those fleeing their homeland in search of a future.”
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St. Peter's Basilica, which was beautifully adorned with floral garlands and vibrant red poinsettias. A statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, was surrounded by white flowers, symbolizing the spirit of the day. In his homily, Pope Leo reiterated that peace can only emerge through dialogue. “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted, and enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other,” he conveyed.
He also reflected on the suffering of the people in Gaza, who have endured weeks of harsh weather conditions, and lamented the plight of young individuals forced into armed conflict, who grapple with the senselessness of their situation and the empty rhetoric of those who send them to war.
Thousands packed St. Peter's Basilica for Pope Leo's first Christmas Day Mass, capturing the moment on their smartphones as they celebrated the occasion. This Christmas season marks a significant period, coinciding with the winding down of the Holy Year celebrations, culminating on January 6, the Catholic Epiphany holiday that commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.