Pope Leo Calls for ‘Courage to Seek Peace’ in First Christmas Mass, Highlighting Gaza and Ukraine

In his first Christmas Mass since ascending to the papacy in May, Pope Leo XIV used one of the Church’s most solemn occasions to deliver an unusually direct appeal for global reconciliation, urging world leaders and citizens alike to show “courage” in confronting the suffering caused by war — particularly in Gaza and Ukraine.

Speaking before thousands gathered inside St. Peter’s Basilica and in the square outside, the first U.S.-born pope reflected on the biblical image of Christ’s birth in a humble stable, drawing a pointed comparison to the makeshift tents sheltering Palestinians in Gaza amid winter storms. “How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked, prompting a long, somber silence among worshipers.

The pope has repeatedly raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in recent weeks, but his Christmas homily marked his most forceful public intervention to date. He lamented the “rubble and open wounds” left by modern conflicts and called for renewed international efforts to protect civilians and secure lasting peace.

Appeal for Dialogue Between Russia and Ukraine

In his traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing delivered from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo turned his attention to the war in Ukraine, urging both Russia and Ukraine to find the “courage” to engage in direct, sincere negotiations. “Let us pray in a particular way for the tormented people of Ukraine,” he said, calling for dialogue supported by the international community.

The pope’s remarks echoed his broader message of reconciliation, emphasizing that peace requires not only political will but also personal commitment. “Jesus Christ is our peace,” he said earlier in the week, “because he shows us the way to overcome conflicts… to reject hatred, violence and opposition, and to practice dialogue”.

A Pontiff Marked by Diplomacy and Directness

Pope Leo, elected on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis, has cultivated a quieter, more diplomatic style than his predecessor. Yet his first Christmas Mass demonstrated a willingness to speak plainly about global crises when moral clarity is at stake. Observers noted that he departed from his usual reluctance to make political references during liturgical celebrations, choosing instead to highlight the plight of civilians in conflict zones and the responsibilities of world leaders.

He also broadened his message to include migrants and refugees worldwide, invoking the image of families “traversing the American continent” and those seeking safety in Europe amid rising anti-immigration sentiment.

A World ‘Speckled with Conflicts’

The pope’s Christmas message surveyed a global landscape marked by violence from Yemen to Myanmar, calling for compassion toward displaced people and solidarity with those in need. He urged the faithful to resist indifference and to recognize the shared humanity of those suffering from war, poverty, and displacement.

As he concluded the Mass, Pope Leo offered prayers for peace across all regions in conflict, reiterating that the Christmas story — of a child born in vulnerability — demands a response rooted in empathy and action.