Pope Leo highlights Gaza’s plight, calls for peace in first Christmas homily

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In his first Christmas Day homily, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the suffering of Gaza’s residents, exposed for weeks to harsh weather, and stressed that global conflicts can only be resolved through dialogue.

Celebrating Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with floral garlands and red poinsettias, the pope reflected on Jesus’ birth in a Bethlehem manger, describing God’s word as “a fragile tent among us.” He drew parallels to the tents of Gaza, the plight of refugees worldwide, and the struggles of the homeless.

Leo also noted the vulnerability of populations affected by war and the youth forced into combat, criticizing the falsehoods and pomp in speeches of those sending them to the front lines. “Peace will come when our monologues end and, through listening, we recognize the humanity of others,” he said.

Thousands attended the Mass, capturing the ceremony on smartphones. Later, the pope is scheduled to deliver the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing from a loggia overlooking St. Peter’s Square, summarizing the world’s challenges over the past year. This Christmas concludes the Holy Year celebrations, which will formally end on Jan. 6, the Epiphany.