In his first Christmas Mass in Rome, Pope Leo XIV called for compassion and peace. He quoted his predecessor Benedict XVI. and highlighted the infinite dignity of humanity. Thousands of faithful followed the service on screens in St. Peter's Square despite pouring rain.
Pope Leo XIV., the first American on the Throne of St. Peter, celebrated his first Christmas Mass on December 24, 2025, in St. Peter's Basilica. Addressing a packed congregation, he spoke of hope and the call to be messengers of peace. He warned against an economy that treats people like commodities and stressed the infinite dignity of every individual.
In his homily, the pontiff quoted words from Benedict XVI., who died two years ago: «Not to welcome one means not to welcome the other. Where there is room for man, there is room for God too». He also commemorated his predecessor Francis, who died in April and opened the Holy Year in 2024 despite health issues. The Holy Year concludes on January 6.
The pope called for a one-day ceasefire in all global conflicts, particularly referencing the war in Ukraine. He expressed sadness that Russia had rejected a Christmas truce. Regarding the Middle East, he hoped for progress in the peace agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.
Outside in the rain, Leo XIV. greeted the thousands in St. Peter's Square, wished them Merry Christmas, and blessed those waiting under umbrellas. St. Peter's Basilica, though large, does not hold everyone, he noted. In Bethlehem, Christians marked Christmas for the first time since the end of the Gaza war, erecting a large tree in front of the Church of the Nativity after a two-year absence.
On December 25, the pope will deliver the «Urbi et Orbi» blessing from the basilica's balcony, with tens of thousands of faithful expected.
