Vatican City – In his first Christmas sermon as pope, Pope Leo XIV delivered a solemn and unusually direct message about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling attention to the plight of Palestinians displaced by years of conflict.
The pontiff, the first American pope, addressed global wars, the suffering of civilians, and the challenges facing young people in conflict zones, urging international action for peace and humanitarian aid.
Pope Leo Condemns Conditions in Gaza
During the Christmas Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV compared the Nativity story to modern suffering, noting that God “pitched his fragile tent among the people of the world.” He asked,
“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind, and cold?”
Despite the October 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, humanitarian agencies report that aid access in Gaza remains limited, with nearly the entire population homeless following years of bombardment.
Pope Leo emphasized:
- The vulnerability of civilians in war zones.
- The impact of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
- The psychological toll on young people forced to fight.
“Fragile are the minds and lives of young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them,” he said.
A First Christmas Sermon for Pope Leo
Pope Leo XIV, elected in May 2025, is known for a quiet, diplomatic style, generally avoiding political references. Yet in his first Christmas address, he explicitly highlighted Gaza, marking a departure from tradition.
The pontiff previously stated that any lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict must include recognition of a Palestinian state.
Christmas in Bethlehem: Resilience Amid Hardship
Meanwhile, in Bethlehem, Palestinians celebrated their first festive Christmas in more than two years. Streets were filled with music, parades, and worshippers attending mass at the Church of the Nativity.
- Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa highlighted the ongoing suffering in Gaza, noting the resilience and hope among the population despite the harsh conditions.
- Hundreds attended the parade down Star Street, with Manger Square lit by colorful lights and a towering Christmas tree.
“The wounds are deep, yet their proclamation of Christmas resounds,” said Pizzaballa.
Bethlehem residents expressed hope that the revival of Christmas celebrations would bring a sense of normalcy and optimism back to the city.
Global Message for Peace and Compassion
In his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) blessing, Pope Leo called for an end to wars, social injustices, and political conflicts worldwide. He stressed the need for global solidarity with displaced populations and the homeless.
The pope’s message underscored the enduring relevance of the Nativity story in reminding humanity of compassion, solidarity, and resilience in the face of conflict.
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