Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Christmas Day message on December 25, 2023, urging global solidarity for those facing dire circumstances, including individuals in Gaza and Yemen, as well as migrants seeking a better life. Addressing an estimated 26,000 attendees from the loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff emphasized the need for compassion and action in his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address, translating to “To the City and to the World.”
The event unfolded under challenging weather conditions, with rain persisting during the Mass held inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Fortunately, the rain subsided by the time Pope Leo took a brief tour of the square in the popemobile, where he was met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. He revived the tradition of greeting attendees in multiple languages, which had been set aside by his predecessor, Pope Francis. Notably, his renditions in English and Spanish, the latter reflecting his deep ties to Peru, received particularly warm responses.
During his address, the Pope called for “justice, peace and stability” in regions such as Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. He also extended prayers for the “tormented people of Ukraine” and offered solace to victims of wars, injustice, and political instability across various countries, including Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
In a poignant reflection, Pope Leo remarked, “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us.” He highlighted the suffering of those who have lost everything, stating, “We must stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed.” His message resonated deeply with the realities faced by many around the world, particularly the impoverished in Yemen and the countless refugees who risk their lives crossing perilous routes in search of safety and security.
Encouraging Dialogue for Peace
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo led the Christmas Day Mass from the central altar, which was beautifully adorned with floral arrangements and red poinsettias. In his homily, he emphasized that lasting peace can only emerge 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.”
The pontiff expressed concern for the people of Gaza, who have endured harsh weather conditions, and for young individuals drawn into armed conflict. He condemned the “senselessness” of war and criticized the rhetoric of those who send young people to the front lines.
The atmosphere inside St. Peter’s Basilica was vibrant, with thousands of attendees capturing moments on their smartphones during the Mass. This Christmas celebration marks the conclusion of a significant Holy Year, culminating in the Epiphany holiday on January 6, 2024, which commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
As Pope Leo XIV concluded his address, he took off his glasses and waved to the crowd, leaving a lasting impression of compassion and hope amidst a world in need of healing and solidarity.
