Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace and Understanding at Christmas Mass for Gaza

Post by : Mina Rahman

In his first Christmas Day homily, Pope Leo XIV delivered a heartfelt message highlighting the plight of civilians suffering from war and displacement, notably focusing on Gaza. He reiterated that the world's ongoing conflicts can only be settled through dialogue and a commitment to human dignity.

The pope officiated Christmas Day Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, leading the ceremony from the prominent altar adorned beneath the basilica’s magnificent balustrade. The ambiance echoed the joy of the occasion, enhanced by floral arrangements, vibrant red poinsettias, and white blossoms at the feet of a statue honoring Mary, seen as central to the Christmas celebration.

In reflecting on the Nativity, Pope Leo conveyed the significance of God incarnating as Jesus in a modest Bethlehem manger, portraying God’s presence as “a fragile tent among us”—a metaphor he connected to the struggles of people living in temporary housing worldwide.

“How can we overlook the tents in Gaza, vulnerable to harsh weather for weeks on end?” he remarked, also acknowledging the plight of refugees across continents and the countless homeless individuals facing daily challenges in makeshift shelters.

The pontiff poignantly described the plight of civilians caught in war, labeling them as defenseless beings enduring extreme violence. He also recognized the tragic fate of youth coerced into armed conflict, who bear the weight of political agendas and the tragedies of war.

He criticized misleading narratives surrounding warfare, pointing out how they obscure the human cost borne by both soldiers and civilian innocents. True peace, he insisted, cannot stem from force or segregation.

According to the pope, authentic peace can only blossom from dialogue that transcends monologues, encouraging individuals to listen to one another and appreciate the shared humanity that binds all.

St. Peter’s Basilica saw a substantial turnout for the Christmas Mass, with many attendees capturing the moment on their smartphones during the ceremonial procession. Outside, fervent supporters continued to gather in St. Peter’s Square beneath persistent rain.

Later in the day, Pope Leo was slated to share the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing from the balcony, providing insights on major global concerns and crises of the year.

This Christmas season also coincides with the concluding phase of the Holy Year, which will formally wrap up on January 6, celebrated as the Feast of the Epiphany, marking the visitation of the wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.