Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Christmas Day message on December 25, 2023, urging global compassion and action towards those suffering from conflict and poverty. Addressing approximately 26,000 attendees from the loggia of St. Peter’s Square, he emphasized the need to combat indifference faced by vulnerable communities around the world, including those in Gaza, Yemen, and among migrants seeking better lives.
During the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address, which translates to “To the City and to the World,” the Pope revived the custom of delivering holiday greetings in multiple languages. This move, previously set aside by his predecessor, Pope Francis, resonated with the crowd, especially when he spoke in English and Spanish, reflecting his roots as a missionary in Peru. As he concluded his address, a member of the audience shouted, “Viva il papa!” eliciting a warm response from the crowd as he waved farewell.
Pope Leo highlighted the significance of humility and responsibility in fostering peace. He stated, “If we truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change.” His message included calls for “justice, peace and stability” in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. He also extended prayers for the “tormented people of Ukraine” and offered condolences to victims of wars, injustice, and political instability in regions such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Mali.
In his remarks, the Pope acknowledged the profound struggles facing many. He spoke of those “who have lost everything,” like the people of Gaza, and those suffering from hunger in Yemen. He also recognized the plight of refugees and migrants traversing perilous journeys across the Mediterranean and into the Americas.
Papal Mass Marked by Reflection and Hope
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo led the Christmas Day Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, which was adorned with floral decorations, including vibrant red poinsettias. His homily focused on dialogue as a pathway to peace. He remarked, “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 Pope reflected on the dire conditions in Gaza, where civilians have been exposed to harsh weather without adequate shelter. He expressed concern for young people caught in cycles of violence, noting, “They 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.”
As the Mass concluded, thousands filled the basilica, capturing the moment on smartphones amid the solemnity of the occasion. This Christmas season marks the culmination of the Holy Year celebrations, which will officially conclude on January 6, 2024, during the Catholic Epiphany holiday, commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas address and Mass underscored an urgent message of solidarity and compassion, inviting individuals worldwide to engage in meaningful dialogue and action to alleviate suffering in every corner of the globe.
