In his first Christmas message as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV delivered a poignant condemnation of the dire conditions facing Palestinians in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands are sheltering in tents exposed to ‘rain, wind and cold.’ Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Christmas Day, the pope used the occasion to call for global peace, emphasizing the need to end wars and show compassion to refugees worldwide. This marked his inaugural ‘Urbi et Orbi’ blessing since his election in May.
The pope drew parallels between the nativity story and the current humanitarian crisis, asking how one could not think of the tents in Gaza during the festive season. He described Jesus as having ‘pitched his fragile tent’ among humanity, directly linking the biblical narrative to the suffering in the Strip. This unusually direct appeal in a normally spiritual service highlighted his commitment to addressing contemporary issues, blending theological reflection with urgent social commentary.
Gaza has been devastated by years of conflict, with over 400,000 homes destroyed and the population largely displaced. Although a ceasefire was agreed in October after intense bombardment, humanitarian agencies report that aid remains insufficient, and makeshift tents offer little protection from the harsh winter elements. Pope Leo emphasized this fragility, noting that ‘defenceless populations’ are left with ‘rubble and open wounds’ from ongoing or concluded wars, and he lamented the plight of young people forced into combat.
Beyond Gaza, the pope addressed other global hotspots, including Ukraine, where he prayed for an end to the nearly four-year war with Russia. He lamented the ‘clamor of weapons’ and urged sincere dialogue, reinforcing the Vatican’s offer to mediate peace talks—a proposal Moscow has not yet accepted. His message also touched on conflicts in Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia, calling for an end to all wars and highlighting the senselessness of violence.
Pope Leo, the first American pope, has a quieter, more diplomatic style than his predecessor but has consistently spoken out on issues like migration and peace. In recent months, he has emphasized the need for a Palestinian state as part of a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and in his Christmas sermon, he advocated for justice and stability in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. He also called for compassion towards migrants crossing the Mediterranean or the Americas, offering greetings in multiple languages including Italian, English, Arabic, Chinese, and Polish.
The Christmas celebrations included a packed Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, with 6,000 people inside and 5,000 outside in rainy conditions, demonstrating strong turnout despite the weather. In Bethlehem, festive activities resumed after years of war-related somberness, with parades and a mass at the Church of the Nativity. Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who visited Gaza, spoke of the deep wounds but also the strength and desire to rebuild, aligning with the pope’s message of hope.
Looking ahead, Pope Leo’s message sets a tone for his papacy, focusing on peacemaking and humanitarian concerns. He will preside over the closing of the Holy Door in St. Peter’s on January 6, marking the end of the Catholic Church’s jubilee year. His appeals for dialogue and compassion are likely to influence both religious and political spheres, as he continues to use his platform to advocate for global justice and reconciliation.
