Vatican City — During his first Christmas Day message, Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful on Thursday to overcome indifference toward people who have lost everything, pointing to suffering in places such as Gaza, Yemen and among migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent in search of a better future.
Addressing around 26,000 people from the central loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the first American-born pope delivered the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, Latin for “To the City and to the World,” which traditionally surveys the most pressing crises facing humanity.
Although steady rain fell during the Christmas Day Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the weather cleared by the time Pope Leo took a short ride through the square in the popemobile before delivering his address from the loggia.
Leo revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages, a custom discontinued by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He received especially enthusiastic applause when he spoke in English, his native language, and in Spanish, the language of Peru, where he served as a missionary and later as archbishop.
As the pope concluded his appearance, someone in the crowd shouted “Viva il papa!” meaning “Long live the pope,” before Leo withdrew into the basilica, removing his glasses to offer a final wave.
In his address, Pope Leo stressed that peace in the world depends on humility, responsibility and solidarity with those who suffer.
“If we would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change,” he said.
He called for justice, peace and stability in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria, and offered prayers for the “tormented people of Ukraine.” He also expressed a wish for peace and consolation for victims of war, injustice, political instability, religious persecution and terrorism, specifically mentioning Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Congo.
The pope urged dialogue to confront challenges in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, the restoration of the “ancient friendship” between Thailand and Cambodia, and assistance for communities affected by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania.
Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, Leo said that in becoming human, Jesus embraced human fragility and identified with all who suffer. He cited those who have lost everything, such as the inhabitants of Gaza; those suffering from hunger and poverty, such as the people of Yemen; and refugees and migrants fleeing their homelands in search of safety and opportunity across the Mediterranean and the Americas.
He also remembered people who have lost their jobs or are seeking work, particularly young people, underpaid workers and those who are imprisoned.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo presided over his first Christmas Day Mass from the central altar of St. Peter’s Basilica, which was decorated with floral garlands and red poinsettias. White flowers were placed at the feet of a statue of Mary, the mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day.
In his homily, Leo emphasized that peace can only be achieved 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 said.
He again recalled the suffering of the people of Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold, as well as the vulnerability of defenseless populations affected by prolonged wars. He also spoke of young people forced to take up arms, sent to the front lines by leaders whose speeches, he said, conceal the senselessness of the violence.
Thousands of worshippers packed St. Peter’s Basilica for the Mass, many holding up smartphones to capture images of the opening procession.
This Christmas season also marks the final phase of the Holy Year celebrations, which are set to conclude on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, commemorating the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.