Pope Leo delivered a poignant Christmas message on December 25, 2023, urging the faithful to confront indifference towards the suffering of vulnerable communities, particularly in Gaza and among migrants seeking a better life. Addressing approximately 26,000 attendees from the loggia of St. Peter’s Square, the pope’s “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and to the World) address highlighted pressing global issues.
The event took place amid steady rain, which subsided as the pope made his way through the square in the popemobile. Leo revived the tradition of offering Christmas greetings in multiple languages, a practice his predecessor, Pope Francis, had set aside. The crowd responded enthusiastically, particularly when he spoke in English and Spanish, reflecting his ties to Peru, where he served as a missionary and archbishop. As he concluded his address, a supporter shouted, “Viva il papa!” prompting a warm reaction from the crowd.
In his address, Leo emphasized the power of empathy and solidarity in fostering peace. He stated, “If we truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change.” He specifically called for “justice, peace and stability” in regions such as Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Israel, and Syria. The pope also expressed prayers for the “tormented people of Ukraine” and those affected by global conflicts, including in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Addressing Global Challenges
Pope Leo’s message extended beyond regional conflicts. He urged dialogue to tackle numerous challenges in Latin America, called for an end to the violence in Myanmar, and advocated for the restoration of “the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia.” Moreover, he called for support for communities impacted by natural disasters across South Asia and Oceania.
He poignantly remarked on the plight of the people in Gaza who “have lost everything,” as well as the Yemeni population suffering from hunger and poverty. The pope also acknowledged the challenges faced by refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean and traversing the Americas in search of a better future. He expressed solidarity with those seeking work, particularly young people and underpaid workers, stressing that everyone can contribute to peace through humility and responsibility.
During the Christmas Day Mass earlier, held beneath an ornate altar in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo highlighted the importance of dialogue in achieving peace. “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other,” he stated.
The Mass was attended by thousands, many capturing the moment on their smartphones as the pope led the opening procession. This Christmas season marks the culmination of the holy year celebrations, which will conclude on January 6, 2024, with the Catholic Epiphany holiday, commemorating the visit of the three wise men to the infant Jesus in Bethlehem.
Pope Leo’s Christmas address serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by countless individuals worldwide, and his call for compassion resonates as a crucial message during this festive season.
