In a world yearning for calm, Pope Leo XIV used his historic first Christmas address to issue a powerful plea for global peace. The pontiff's "Urbi et Orbi" blessing from St. Peter's Basilica on Thursday came at the close of a year dominated by conflict, yet holding fragile hope for truce in Gaza.
A Pontiff's Plea for a Truce
Pope Leo XIV stood before thousands on Christmas Day, renewing his calls for an end to violence worldwide. His message followed an earlier appeal for a one-day global ceasefire, which saw continued fighting in Ukraine. The Pope delivered his traditional blessing at 12:00 (1100 GMT), a moment when pontiffs typically highlight international conflicts and advocate for reconciliation.
On the rainy evening of Wednesday, December 24, the Pope celebrated his inaugural Christmas Mass. He described the occasion as a feast rooted in "faith, charity and hope." Addressing a crowd of approximately 5,000 people gathered outside the basilica, he expressed gratitude for their presence despite the weather, noting, "St. Peter’s is very large but unfortunately it is not large enough to receive all of you." He will also hold a Christmas Day mass, reviving a tradition from the era of the late Pope John Paul II.
Joy Returns to Bethlehem
A significant shift occurred in Bethlehem, where the Christian community enjoyed its first truly festive Christmas in over two years. The occupied West Bank city emerged from the long shadow cast by the Gaza war, which began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023.
Hundreds of worshippers packed the Church of the Nativity for midnight mass. Pews filled long before the service began, forcing many to stand or sit on the floor. At 11:15 pm (2115 GMT), a procession of clergymen entered to organ music, followed by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who blessed the assembly.
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa emphasized themes of peace, hope, and rebirth, asserting the enduring relevance of the Nativity story. He also shared reflections from his recent visit to Gaza, stating, "suffering is still present" despite the ceasefire. "When I met them, I was struck by their strength and desire to start over," he said of Gaza's residents.
Celebrations Mark a 'Desire for Life'
The festive spirit was palpable across Bethlehem. Hundreds participated in a parade down Star Street, while Manger Square buzzed with families. Multi-coloured lights and a towering Christmas tree illuminated the square next to the ancient basilica, built on the site revered as Jesus's birthplace.
"Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war," shared 17-year-old Milagros Anstas. Local George Hanna from Beit Jala expressed a common hope: "We need to get the message to the whole world and this is the only way." The return of celebrations aimed to revive the city's spirit.
In a poignant contrast, the holiday season was marred elsewhere. US President Donald Trump offered a divisive Merry Christmas message. Severe weather triggered emergencies in California, and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave a sombre address following a deadly attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach on December 14. Meanwhile, in Damascus, Christmas lights shone in the Old City as the Syrian Christian community defied fears after a June attack.
Pope Leo XIV's first Christmas thus unfolded as a global tapestry of fragile joy, enduring conflict, and a persistent, universal call for peace.
