Pope Leo XIV Leads His First Christmas Mass as Rain-Soaked Crowds Gather and Watch in St Peter’s Square in Vatican City

Under a steady Roman downpour, thousands gathered in and around St. Peter’s Basilica to witness a milestone moment: Pope Leo XIV leading his very first Christmas Mass as pontiff. Umbrellas dotted St. Peter’s Square, ponchos clung to shoulders, and large outdoor screens carried the ceremony to those who couldn’t fit inside. It was wet, cold, and unmistakably historic.

Inside the Basilica, a Full House

Roughly 6,000 people filled the basilica itself for the solemn service, joined by senior Church leaders, diplomats, and clergy from around the world. Outside, another 5,000 faithful followed every word on giant screens. The pope acknowledged the overflow with a warm, almost apologetic smile, reminding the crowd that even a building as vast as St. Peter’s has its limits.

A Christmas Message Rooted in Faith and Humanity

In his homily, Leo kept his focus firmly on the heart of Christmas. He described the season as a celebration of faith, charity, and hope, steering clear of direct political commentary. Yet his message carried weight. He spoke of a world shaped by a “distorted economy,” one that risks reducing people to products rather than recognizing their worth.

Dignity Before Everything Else

Drawing on the nativity story, the pope stressed that God’s presence is revealed in every human being. There can be no room for God, he said, if there is no room for people—especially the vulnerable. Refusing one means refusing the other. He echoed words from the late Pope Benedict XVI, lamenting a world that too often neglects children, the poor, and foreigners.

From Stable to Sanctuary

Leo returned again and again to the image of the manger, reminding worshippers that holiness doesn’t depend on grandeur. Even a simple stable, he said, can become more sacred than a temple when human dignity is honoured. The symbolism was reinforced during the service, as tradition dictated the placement of a statue of the baby Jesus into a cradle, accompanied by choral music that filled the basilica.

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A Pope Setting His Own Rhythm

At 70, Pope Leo has already begun shaping his papacy in quiet but noticeable ways. This Christmas Mass was held later than those of his predecessor, Francis, whose age had pushed celebrations earlier in the evening. Leo has also revived an old custom: a second Christmas Day Mass, a tradition last associated with Pope John Paul II.

Remembering the Past, Leading After Loss

This Christmas marked a turning point for the Church. Pope Leo stepped into the role following the death of Pope Francis on April 21, and the atmosphere carried both reverence and renewal. The Jubilee Holy Year, which has drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome, also comes to a close with this Christmas season, adding another layer of significance.

A Call for Peace Beyond the Walls of the Vatican

Just days before the Mass, Leo made headlines with a plea for a global Christmas truce. Speaking from his residence in Castel Gandolfo, he expressed deep sadness that Russia appeared to have rejected a ceasefire proposal in Ukraine. Still, he renewed his appeal to “all people of good will” to honour at least one day of peace on the feast celebrating Christ’s birth.

Looking Ahead to Christmas Day

The celebrations are far from over. On Christmas Day, Pope Leo will again take to the altar for Mass before delivering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing—his message to the city of Rome and to the world. For a pope still early in his pontificate, this Christmas has already set the tone: grounded in faith, attentive to human dignity, and quietly determined to chart his own path.

What’s Next?

All eyes now turn to how Pope Leo XIV will build on these early signals—balancing tradition with change, and spiritual focus with moral urgency—as the Church steps beyond Christmas and into a new chapter.