Pope Leo XIV has presided over his first Christmas Mass as the head of the Catholic Church, delivering a message of hope and a pointed critique of economic systems that devalue human life. The ceremony, held on Wednesday in Vatican City, marked a significant moment in his young pontificate.
A Rainy Gathering in St. Peter's Square
Despite wet weather, an estimated 5,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square to witness the historic event. Addressing the crowd from the steps of St. Peter's Basilica before the service, the Pope expressed gratitude for their presence. He acknowledged that the vast basilica itself was not large enough to accommodate everyone, forcing many to follow the Mass on outdoor screens.
The 70-year-old pontiff, who succeeded the charismatic Pope Francis after his death in April, has cultivated a more discreet and moderate public style. His Christmas homily remained focused on spiritual themes, avoiding direct commentary on current political events. He described Christmas as a feast of "faith, charity and hope".
Critique of Economy and Call for Peace
During the Mass, Pope Leo XIV did not shy away from social critique. He lambasted what he termed a "distorted economy" that "leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise." His call for a more humane economic order resonated with the thousands in attendance, which included high-ranking Church officials and diplomats.
His plea for peace was even more direct. On Tuesday, from his residence at Castel Gandolfo, he expressed "great sadness" that Russia had apparently rejected a request for a Christmas truce in Ukraine. "I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour," he told reporters, calling for a global ceasefire on Christmas Day.
Changes in Tradition and Looking Ahead
The Christmas celebrations under Leo XIV featured several notable changes from his predecessor's time:
- Later Mass Time: The Christmas Eve Mass was held at a later hour compared to the schedule preferred by the older Pope Francis.
- Return to Two Masses: Pope Leo will hold another Mass on Christmas Day itself, reviving a tradition from the era of Pope John Paul II.
- Urbi et Orbi Blessing: On Thursday, the Pope is set to deliver his pivotal "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing from the basilica's balcony at 1100 GMT. This address is traditionally where popes speak on global conflicts and appeal for peace.
This Christmas also signifies the conclusion of the Catholic Church's Jubilee Holy Year, a period that drew millions of pilgrims to Rome. The ceremony itself blended traditional music with symbolic acts, such as placing a statue of the infant Jesus in a manger, underscoring the deep religious significance of the day for Catholics worldwide.
