Pope Leo XIV has used his first Christmas Day Mass as pontiff to deliver a powerful critique of global conflicts, placing a stark emphasis on the suffering of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
A Message from the Manger to the Modern World
Addressing thousands of worshippers gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday 25 December 2025, the Pope drew a poignant parallel between the nativity story and contemporary crises. He described God's word as a "fragile tent," directly linking this image to the tents sheltering displaced families in Gaza who are enduring harsh winter conditions.
His sermon extended beyond the Holy Land, reflecting on the global scale of human displacement. The pontiff spoke with compassion about refugees, displaced persons, and homeless individuals worldwide, labelling them as "defenceless populations" caught in the crossfire of numerous wars.
Critique of "Pompous Speeches" and a Call for True Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV did not shy away from criticising the mechanisms of war. He specifically denounced the "pompous speeches" of leaders who send young people to fight and die in conflicts. In a clear call for a new approach, he argued that the path to peace lies not in monologue, but in authentic conversation.
"Genuine dialogue, where 'monologues are interrupted' and people truly listen to one another, is the only way to achieve peace," he asserted during the solemn Christmas service. This appeal for listening and mutual understanding formed the core of his inaugural festive message.
A Traditional Blessing for the City and the World
Following the Mass, the Pope's schedule included the delivery of the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing. This papal address, often used to comment on global affairs, provided a fitting conclusion to a day where spiritual celebration was intertwined with a urgent humanitarian plea.
By choosing his first Christmas sermon to spotlight the crisis in Gaza and the universal plight of the dispossessed, Pope Leo XIV has firmly positioned his papacy's voice on the world stage, advocating for empathy and dialogue in a time of profound division.
