In his first Christmas sermon, Pope Leo made an unusually direct appeal regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asking how people could ignore Palestinians living in tents exposed to rain, wind, and cold. The U.S.-born pope, known for his quieter and diplomatic style, usually avoids political commentary in sermons, but he emphasized the plight of vulnerable populations worldwide, linking their suffering to the message of Jesus’ birth in a humble stable.
During the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, Leo also addressed broader global issues, calling for an end to wars and lamenting the destruction caused by conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. He highlighted the struggles of young people forced into combat and the ongoing humanitarian challenges, stressing the importance of dialogue, reconciliation, and international support.
The pope’s remarks also extended to the homeless and migrants, reflecting his early papacy’s focus on caring for vulnerable communities. He reiterated that resolving long-standing conflicts, including the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian dispute, requires practical solutions such as the establishment of a Palestinian state, while urging all parties to work toward peace and humanitarian relief.
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