Pope Leo XIV Delivers First Christmas Day Address
Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Day message, addressing issues of global suffering, poverty, and migration. He specifically cited populations in Gaza, Yemen, and migrants traversing the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent.
Speaking from the loggia overlooking St. Peter's Square, the first U.S. pontiff delivered the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" address to approximately 26,000 attendees. This address, meaning "To the City and to the World," typically reviews global challenges. During the papal Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica, attendees gathered under rain. The rain ceased by the time Pope Leo XIV conducted a brief tour of the square in the popemobile before his address from the loggia.
Pope Leo XIV reinstated the tradition of delivering Christmas greetings in multiple languages, a practice discontinued by his predecessor, Pope Francis. He delivered greetings in English, his native language, and Spanish, the language of Peru, where he had served as a missionary and archbishop. An attendee was heard to shout "Viva il papa!" before the Pope concluded his public appearance.
Global Concerns Highlighted
In his address, Pope Leo XIV stated that individual actions of humility and responsibility could contribute to global peace. He was quoted stating, "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."
Pope Leo XIV advocated for justice, peace, and stability in Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. He also called for support for those affected by conflict in Ukraine, and for victims of wars, injustice, political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Congo.
The Pope further encouraged dialogue to resolve challenges in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar, restoration of relations between Thailand and Cambodia, and assistance for those impacted by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania.
He articulated his theological perspective, stating, "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." His address also acknowledged individuals experiencing unemployment or seeking employment, particularly young people, underpaid workers, and those incarcerated.
Christmas Day Mass and Call for Dialogue
Prior to the "Urbi et Orbi" address, Pope Leo XIV led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar of St. Peter's Basilica. The altar area was decorated with floral garlands, red poinsettias, and white flowers placed at the base of a statue of Mary.
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV underscored the concept that peace is achievable through dialogue. He stated, "There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other." His homily also referenced the populace of Gaza, described as "exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold," and highlighted the vulnerability of "defenseless populations, tried by so many wars," alongside "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."
Thousands attended the Pope's first Christmas Day Mass within the basilica. This Christmas season coincides with the conclusion of the Holy Year celebrations, scheduled to end on January 6, which is the Catholic Epiphany holiday.