Pope Leo XIV has condemned the devastation caused by war and urged renewed hope for peace as he delivered his first Christmas message at the Vatican, against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
Speaking during Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Thursday, the pontiff described war as senseless and warned of the lasting scars it leaves on vulnerable populations.
“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, whether ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” the Pope said.
Reflecting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Pope Leo said it was impossible to ignore the suffering of civilians displaced by months of fighting.
“How can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked.
The Pope’s remarks came as heavy rainfall worsened conditions in Gaza, where the United Nations estimates that about 1.3 million people are in urgent need of shelter, warning of a growing risk of hypothermia as temperatures drop.
Despite the hardship, some Christians in Gaza expressed cautious hope. A Palestinian Christian, Elias al-Jalda, said the impact of the conflict had been overwhelming.
“The war, in all its forms, has been harsh on everyone living on this land,” he said, adding, “We hope this year will mark the beginning of a new phase—one defined by a complete end to the war and the return of life to Gaza.”
Another worshipper, Rami al-Far, noted that celebrations were subdued. “Our celebrations are very limited. We try to live as best we can with what we have,” he said.
In Bethlehem, hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Church of the Nativity to mark Christmas, the first festive celebration in more than two years following a prolonged period of sombre observances linked to the Gaza war.
The atmosphere was marked by prayers, music and cautious optimism as a fragile truce held.
“Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war,” said 17-year-old Milagros Anstas.
Meanwhile, in Syria, Christmas lights brightened parts of Damascus’s Old City despite lingering fears after recent violence. A student, Loris Aasaf, said the celebrations symbolised resilience.
“Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future,” he said.
Across the globe, Christmas was also marked by contrasting political and social developments, from extreme weather disruptions in the United States to sombre reflections in Australia following a deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration earlier in December.
Pope Leo concluded his message by urging global leaders and communities to reject violence and embrace compassion, reminding the world that peace remains possible even amid prolonged conflict.
