Pope Leo XIV delivered his inaugural Christmas Day message on December 25, 2023, addressing a crowd of approximately 26,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square. In his address, the Pope highlighted the urgency of compassion and solidarity for those suffering around the world, including individuals impacted by conflict, poverty, and displacement.
During the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” address, a Latin phrase meaning “To the City and to the World,” Pope Leo urged the faithful to confront indifference towards the plight of the vulnerable. He specifically mentioned the dire situations in Gaza and Yemen, as well as the struggles faced by migrants traversing the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent in search of a better future.
As the rain subsided, Pope Leo took a brief tour of the square in the popemobile, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the crowd, particularly when greeting them in English and Spanish. These languages reflect his background as the first U.S. pontiff and his extensive service in Peru as a missionary and archbishop. A shout of “Viva il papa!” resonated through the square as he waved to the gathering before retreating into St. Peter’s Basilica.
Calls for Global Peace and Justice
In his address, the Pope stressed the power of individual actions in fostering peace, urging listeners to act with humility and responsibility. “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,” he stated. He called for “justice, peace and stability” in regions such as Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. Additionally, he offered prayers for the people of Ukraine and extended his thoughts to victims of war, injustice, political instability, and terrorism, highlighting places like Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Congo.
Pope Leo also addressed several critical issues affecting Latin America, advocating for dialogue to navigate the region’s numerous challenges. He emphasized the need for reconciliation in Myanmar and the restoration of long-standing friendships between countries like Thailand and Cambodia. The Pope expressed his concern for those suffering from natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania, reinforcing the message of solidarity and support.
Reflections on Humanity and Dialogue
In his homily during the Christmas Day Mass, which took place beneath the ornate balustrade of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo reflected on the significance of dialogue in achieving lasting 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.”
He remembered the people of Gaza, who have endured harsh weather conditions, and acknowledged the plight of “defenseless populations, tried by so many wars,” including young individuals compelled to take up arms. The Pope articulated the senselessness of their situations and the disconnection between political rhetoric and the realities faced by those on the front lines.
Thousands filled the basilica for this significant Mass, capturing moments of the procession with their smartphones. The celebration marks not only Christmas but also the conclusion of the Holy Year, culminating with the Catholic Epiphany holiday on January 6, 2024, which honors the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, his first Christmas message resonates with a powerful call for empathy, urging the global community to come together in support of those in need.
