On Christmas Day, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first ever “Urbi et Orbi” address from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, urging the faithful to abandon indifference toward the most vulnerable.
A Rain-Showered Assembly
The crowd of about 26,000 gathered under a steady downpour during the papal Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica. By the time the pope took a brief tour of the square in the popemobile, the rain had subsided, allowing him to speak from the loggia. The atmosphere was one of solemnity tempered by the joy of the season.
Reviving Multilingual Greetings
Leo XIV revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in several languages, a practice that had been abandoned by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He received warm cheers when he greeted the crowd in English and Spanish, the language of his adopted country of Peru where he had served first as a missionary and later as archbishop.
A Brief Mention of the Trump Family
During the event, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump took calls from children about Santa, a small but memorable moment that highlighted the diverse audience present.
The Message of Peace
In his address, the pope emphasized that everyone can contribute to peace by acting with humility and responsibility. He said, “If he would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change.”
Calls for Justice Across the Globe
Leo called for “justice, peace and stability” in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel and Syria. He also prayed for the “tormented people of Ukraine” and for “peace and consolation” for victims of wars, injustice, political instability, religious persecution and terrorism, naming Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Congo.
Dialogue and Reconciliation
The pope urged dialogue to address “numerous challenges” in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, the restoration of “the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia,” and assistance for those hit by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania.
Jesus’ Compassion for the Disadvantaged
In a moving reflection, he said, “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent.”
Remembering Workers and Prisoners
Leo also remembered those who have lost their jobs or are seeking work, especially young people, underpaid workers and those in prison, calling on the world to support them.
The Christmas Mass Setting
Earlier, Leo led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St. Peter’s Basilica. The altar was adorned with floral garlands and clusters of red poinsettias, while white flowers were placed at the feet of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day.
Peace Through Dialogue
In his homily, the pope underlined that peace can emerge only through dialogue. He declared, “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other.”
The Plight of Gaza and Young Soldiers
He remembered the people of Gaza, “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold,” and the fragility of “defenseless populations, tried by so many wars.” He also spoke of “young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them, and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.”
A Crowd of Thousands
Thousands of people packed the basilica for the pope’s first Christmas Day Mass, holding smartphones to capture images of the opening procession. The event was a powerful visual reminder of the global community gathered in faith.
Closing of the Holy Year
This Christmas season marks the winding down of the Holy Year celebrations, which will close on Jan. 6, the Catholic Epiphany holiday that commemorates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Key Takeaways
- Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to shed indifference toward those in Gaza, Yemen, and among migrants.
- He called for justice, peace and stability in the Middle East, Ukraine, and several African nations.
- The pope emphasized that peace arises through dialogue and listening, citing the example of Jesus’ compassion.
The first Christmas Day address by Pope Leo XIV was a call to compassion, humility, and active dialogue, reminding the world that peace begins with solidarity and understanding.
Closing
Barry reported from Milan, bringing the world’s attention to the pope’s heartfelt message and the solemn yet hopeful tone of the Mass.
