Pope Leo, the first American Pope, delivered a Christmas sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica, expressing concern for the plight of Palestinians in Gaza. In his address, he drew parallels between Jesus’ birth in a stable and the harsh living conditions faced by Gazans enduring exposure to inclement weather.
Known for his diplomatic style, Pope Leo typically avoids political references in his sermons but has made caring for immigrants a central theme of his papacy. In his Christmas Day message, he highlighted the challenges faced by migrants and refugees in their journeys across the American continent.
Addressing the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian people, the Pope stressed the necessity of a Palestinian state as a resolution. Despite a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, humanitarian organizations report inadequate aid reaching Gaza, where a significant portion of the population remains homeless.
During the Christmas service at St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo also expressed sorrow for the devastation caused by global conflicts and wars. He called for an end to all forms of warfare, citing the vulnerability of defenseless populations and the tragic impact on young people coerced into armed conflicts.
In his urbi et orbi blessing, Pope Leo urged an end to wars worldwide, mentioning specific regions like Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. He appealed for international support and emphasized the importance of sincere and respectful dialogues to resolve conflicts, particularly in areas like Ukraine and the Thai-Cambodian border where violence persists.
