Pope Leo delivered a rare and direct appeal during his Christmas sermon on Thursday, drawing attention to the humanitarian crisis facing Palestinians in Gaza. His remarks stood out during a service that is traditionally spiritual and reflective for Christians worldwide.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope said the birth of Jesus in a stable showed how God chose to dwell among the vulnerable. He described this as God “pitching a fragile tent” among humanity, a message he linked to the suffering of civilians caught in war.
Pope Leo is marking his first Christmas since his election in May, following the death of Pope Francis. Known for a measured and diplomatic tone, he usually avoids explicit political references in sermons. His comments on Gaza, therefore, carried added weight.
🇻🇦 🎄 🇵🇸 Pope Leo XIV condemned the "senselessness" of war and the "open wounds" it leaves behind, as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine ➡️ https://t.co/sMOdlo9Ay2 pic.twitter.com/cMACYaA9La
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) December 25, 2025Later, during his Christmas blessing, the pope also addressed the plight of migrants and refugees. He expressed concern for those crossing the American continent in search of safety and dignity. While he has previously criticised strict immigration policies in the United States, he avoided naming any political leaders directly.
Gaza, war and human suffering
Pope Leo has repeatedly spoken about Gaza in recent weeks. He has said that any lasting solution to the conflict must include the establishment of a Palestinian state. Despite a ceasefire agreed earlier this year, aid groups report severe shortages in Gaza, where most residents remain displaced.
During the service, the pope also reflected on the wider cost of war. He spoke of cities reduced to rubble and communities left with “open wounds.” He highlighted the trauma faced by young people forced into combat and criticised what he called empty rhetoric that sends them into harm’s way.
Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas Urbi et Orbi from St. Peter's Square
The Pontiff calls for direct Ukraine-Russia talks and decries conditions for Palestinians in Gaza
He wishes Merry Christmas in 10 languages to the world
🅱️ecoming the voice for global peace in 2025 pic.twitter.com/VO9TX7jOkP
— Boi Agent One (@boiagentone) December 25, 2025In his traditional Urbi et Orbi message, delivered from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo urged an end to conflicts around the world. He mentioned wars and political violence in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, and border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia.
Read: US Thanks Pakistan for Considering Participation in Gaza Stabilisation Force
Addressing Ukraine, he called on all sides to silence their weapons and engage in sincere dialogue with international support. Referring to Thailand and Cambodia, he appealed for the restoration of their historic friendship and a renewed commitment to reconciliation.
Through his Christmas message, Pope Leo placed compassion, human dignity, and peace at the centre of his papacy’s early months, urging the world to respond to suffering with action rather than indifference.
*With additional information incorporated from Reuters reporting.
