Leo XIV calls on congregation to think of 'defenceless' Gazans at his first Christmas mass as pope

LAST UPDATE | 5 hrs ago

POPE LEO XIV condemned the “senselessness” of war and the “open wounds” it leaves behind, as he delivered his first Christmas message today after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine.

Pope Leo, who was elected in May after the death of his predecessor Pope Francis, spoke of Gaza during a mass in St Peter’s basilica, saying: “How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold”.

“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds.”

Heavy rains have battered Gaza in recent days – compounding the harsh conditions of the Palestinian territory’s residents, nearly all of whom were displaced during the war.

The UN has said that an estimated 1.3 million people currently need shelter assistance in Gaza and has warned of the increasing risk of hypothermia as temperatures dip.

Before the mass today, the Pope spoke in front of St Peter’s basilica to offer Christmas wishes and thank those who had come to follow the mass on outdoor screens despite rainy weather.

Advertisement

“St Peter’s is very large but unfortunately it is not large enough to receive all of you,” he told the crowd of around 5,000 people.

The American pope has adopted a more discreet and moderate style to that of his charismatic predecessor Francis, who died on 21 April.

The mass was attended by high-ranking Church figures, diplomats and around 6,000 faithful.

Leo stuck to a very religious homily without any direct reference to current affairs at Christmas Eve mass yesterday.

The 70-year-old pope decided to hold the mass at a later time than under the more elderly Francis who would hold Christmas mass at around 6.30pm.

In another change, Leo held another mass today, Christmas Day, renewing a tradition from the times of late pope John Paul II (1978-2005).

He then gave his “Urbi et Orbi” blessing at 11am from the balcony of the basilica – during which he spoke about conflicts and called for peace.