Pope Leo XIV has presided over his first Christmas mass as pontiff, delivering a powerful homily to thousands of faithful gathered at St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The solemn service, a cornerstone of the Catholic calendar, marked a significant moment in his early papacy.
A Pontiff's First Christmas Homily
On Wednesday, the 70-year-old Pope addressed a congregation of approximately 6,000 people inside the vast basilica, with many more watching on large outdoor screens in a rain-soaked St Peter's Square. He expressed regret that the historic church could not accommodate everyone who wished to attend, thanking those who braved the wet weather.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV framed Christmas as a feast of 'faith, charity and hope'. He issued a stark critique of modern economic systems, stating, 'While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person.' He emphasised that the birth of Jesus demonstrated God's presence in every individual, drawing a direct link between humanity and divinity.
Symbolism and Change in Tradition
The ceremony was rich with tradition, blending sacred music with symbolic acts like the placement of a statue of the Baby Jesus in a manger. The mass was attended by senior Church officials, diplomats, and pilgrims.
Notably, Pope Leo has introduced changes to the Christmas schedule. He held the Christmas Eve mass at a later hour than his predecessor, the late Pope Francis. Furthermore, he will revive the Christmas Day mass tradition on Thursday, a practice common during the papacy of John Paul II. This will be followed by his pivotal 'Urbi et Orbi' blessing and message to the world.
Calls for Peace and a Closing Jubilee
In the days leading to Christmas, the Pope made a heartfelt plea for a global truce, expressing 'great sadness' that Russia had apparently rejected a request for a Christmas ceasefire in Ukraine. 'I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace,' he urged from his residence at Castel Gandolfo.
This Christmas also holds special significance as it concludes the Catholic Church's Jubilee Holy Year, an event that has drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome throughout 2025. Pope Leo XIV, whose early teachings have focused on care for immigrants and the poor, used his inaugural Christmas platform to reaffirm these core messages of inclusion and human dignity.
