Pope Leo XIV Calls on World to Reject Indifference in First Christmas Address

Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas Day address on Thursday, urged people worldwide to shed indifference and show compassion for those enduring suffering, including victims of conflict, poverty, and displacement. Speaking to around 26,000 attendees at St. Peter’s Square, the pope highlighted crises in Gaza, Yemen, and the plight of migrants crossing the Mediterranean and the Americas.

Delivering the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message, Latin for “To the City and the World,” Pope Leo emphasized that peace and change could be achieved if individuals act with humility, responsibility, and solidarity with the weak and oppressed. He stressed that true transformation begins by understanding and entering into the suffering of others.

The pope called for justice, stability, and reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions including Lebanon, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Syria, and Ukraine. He also mentioned Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Congo, urging prayers and action for victims of wars, injustice, political instability, and terrorism.

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Pope Leo also highlighted global challenges, encouraging dialogue and reconciliation across Latin America, Myanmar, and Southeast Asia. He stressed the need to assist those impacted by natural disasters in South Asia and Oceania, emphasizing that the faithful should stand with vulnerable populations, including the unemployed, underpaid workers, and prisoners.

During the Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, adorned with poinsettias and floral garlands, Pope Leo emphasized that peace emerges from dialogue and empathy rather than monologues. He called for listening to others’ humanity and addressing the suffering of defenseless populations, particularly young people caught in wars.

Thousands gathered in the basilica, capturing moments on smartphones as Pope Leo concluded the Christmas homily. This festive season also marks the final days of the Holy Year celebrations, concluding on January 6, the Catholic Epiphany holiday commemorating the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus in Bethlehem.

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