Pope Leo XIV has used his inaugural Christmas Day sermon to deliver a powerful condemnation of the suffering endured by Palestinians in Gaza, drawing a direct parallel between the Nativity and the harsh conditions faced by refugees today.
A Sermon of Solidarity and Suffering
Leading the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar of St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, 25 December 2025, the pontiff addressed thousands of worshippers. The basilica was decorated with festive garlands and red poinsettias, with white flowers placed at the feet of a statue of Mary.
Reflecting on the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem, Pope Leo described God's word as "a fragile tent among us." He then turned his thoughts to contemporary crises, asking: "How then can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?"
He extended this concern to refugees and displaced persons across every continent, as well as to homeless people living in makeshift shelters in cities worldwide.
A Call for Dialogue Over Monologue
The Pope's message was a clear plea for peace through conversation. He lamented the vulnerability of "defenseless populations, tried by so many wars," and the plight of young people forced into conflict.
He insisted that peace is only possible when "our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other." The pontiff asserted that the numerous conflicts scarring the globe can be resolved solely through this genuine dialogue.
First Christmas Mass Concludes Holy Year
The Mass marked a significant moment for the new Pope, with many in the congregation holding smartphones aloft to capture the opening procession. Despite steady rain, faithful crowds later gathered in St. Peter’s Square to receive the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing—meaning "to the City and the World"—delivered from a loggia overlooking the square.
This Christmas season also signifies the conclusion of the Holy Year celebrations, which are scheduled to close on 6 January. This date coincides with the Catholic Epiphany holiday, which commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus.
