Pope Leo XIV Highlights Gaza Humanitarian Crisis During First Christmas Homily in St Peter’s Basilica Rome

In a stirring and deeply human homily at St Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the suffering of civilians in war zones, singling out Gaza.

Speaking to thousands gathered in Rome and millions tuning in worldwide, the 70-year-old pontiff used Christmas as a lens to reflect on vulnerability and human dignity.

“Fragile is the flesh of defenseless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” he said, evoking powerful imagery to connect the Nativity story to contemporary conflicts.

Connecting the Nativity to Modern Struggles

Leo compared the humble birth of Jesus in a stable to the plight of those displaced by modern wars.

“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Though known for a cautious approach in political matters, the American-born pope has repeatedly spoken about Palestinian suffering and advocated for a viable Palestinian state as part of peace efforts in the region.

A Global Call for Compassion

During the service, Leo expanded his message to address homelessness and the aftermath of wars worldwide.

He criticized leaders who send young people to fight, pointing to the emotional and moral costs of war.

“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 and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths,” he said, urging reflection on the human consequences of conflict.

Christmas Returns to Bethlehem

Across the occupied West Bank, Bethlehem marked its first festive Christmas in more than two years.

Hundreds gathered at the Church of the Nativity for midnight mass, while parades and music returned to the city streets as a fragile truce held in Gaza.

Pews were filled long before midnight, with many standing or sitting on the floor.

Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa led the congregation in prayer, recalling his recent visit to Gaza and the resilience he witnessed among displaced families.

“The wounds are deep, yet their proclamation of Christmas resounds,” Pizzaballa said, emphasizing hope amid adversity.

Lights, Faith, and Fear Across the Region

Elsewhere in the Middle East, celebrations returned cautiously.

Damascus’s Old City glimmered with Christmas lights as Christian communities navigated lingering fears following recent attacks.

Shops and churches prepared for the season with decorations, red baubles, and warm street treats, maintaining traditions despite uncertainty.

Contrasting Voices on the Holiday Season

While religious leaders emphasized peace and human dignity, political commentary offered a stark contrast.

US President Donald Trump released a Christmas message that sparked controversy, wishing greetings “to everyone, including the radical left-wing scum.”

Severe weather added another layer of tension, with authorities in California declaring a state of emergency amid fears of flooding, while in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation’s grief following a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach.

Pope’s Message on Humanity and God

Central to Leo’s homily was the reminder that God is present in every human being, and care for others reflects the divine.

“On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person.

To refuse one is to refuse the other,” he said, tying the Christmas message to ongoing social and humanitarian responsibilities.

Quoting Pope Benedict XVI, Leo warned against a world that treats people as commodities, insisting that even a humble stable can reveal the infinite dignity of every person and the presence of God.

Christmas in Times of Struggle

Outside St Peter’s Basilica, around 5,000 people braved heavy rain to watch the service on giant screens.

Leo personally greeted the soaked crowds, praising their courage and devotion.

The celebrations in Bethlehem and Rome remind the world that even amid war, displacement, and political tension, Christmas continues to be a moment for reflection, faith, and the pursuit of peace.

Looking Ahead

Later in the day, Pope Leo XIV is set to deliver his Urbi et Orbi blessing, traditionally a moment to address global conflicts and extend appeals for reconciliation.

His first Christmas homily, blending moral urgency with empathy, sets a tone for a papacy that emphasizes human dignity, care for the vulnerable, and the hope that even in the darkest moments, compassion endures.

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