Pope Leo XIV delivers his first Christmas Day message
VATICAN CITY — VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message during his inaugural Christmas Day address, urging believers to combat indifference towards those who have suffered loss, poverty, and displacement. He specifically mentioned Gaza, Yemen, and migrants seeking a better life as examples of those in need of compassion and support.
Addressing a crowd of 26,000 from St. Peter’s Square, the first American pope emphasized the importance of solidarity and empathy in creating a more peaceful world. He highlighted the plight of various regions experiencing conflict and instability, calling for justice, peace, and dialogue to address these challenges.
Leo’s multilingual Christmas greetings resonated with the audience, particularly when he spoke in English and Spanish, reflecting his Peruvian heritage. The pope’s call for humility and responsibility as pathways to peace struck a chord with listeners, urging them to stand in solidarity with the marginalized and oppressed.
As he concluded his address, Leo emphasized the need for compassion towards those facing adversity, including the unemployed, underpaid workers, and prisoners. He stressed the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving conflicts and fostering reconciliation.
The Christmas Day Mass, led by Leo at St. Peter’s Basilica, symbolized a message of hope and peace amidst a world grappling with various social, political, and economic challenges. The pontiff’s words resonated with the audience, offering a message of solidarity and compassion during the holiday season.
As the Holy Year celebrations draw to a close in January, Pope Leo XIV’s message serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, dialogue, and unity in addressing global issues and building a more harmonious world.
Barry reported from Milan.
