Pope Leo leads first Christmas mass, sends powerful message to Christians

Thousands of worshippers gathered on Wednesday as Pope Leo XIV led his first Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking a historic moment in his pontificate.

The service, attended by about 6,000 faithful, high-ranking Church officials, and diplomats, began with the pope greeting worshippers in St. Peter’s Square. Many watched the Mass on outdoor screens, braving heavy rain with umbrellas and ponchos.

During the Mass, Pope Leo described Christmas as a celebration of faith, charity, and hope. He highlighted the dignity of every person and criticised what he called a “distorted economy” that reduces human beings to mere commodities.

“On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person. To refuse one is to refuse the other,” Pope Leo said, quoting the late Pope Benedict XVI. He reiterated the Church’s commitment to caring for the poor, immigrants, and children.

The ceremony featured traditional music and symbolic gestures, including the placement of a statue of the baby Jesus in a cradle, reflecting the solemnity of the occasion.

Pope Leo, 70, held the Mass at a later time than his predecessor, Pope Francis, who typically celebrated the service around 18:30 GMT. He will also hold a Christmas Day Mass on Thursday, during which he will deliver the twice-yearly ‘Urbi et Orbi’ message and blessing.

Ahead of the celebrations, the pope called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing sadness over the apparent rejection by Russia of a ceasefire request in Ukraine.

Christmas 2025 also marks the end of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, which drew millions of pilgrims to Rome.

Pope Leo emphasised that every person, no matter their circumstance, is a reflection of God’s presence. “Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God. Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple,” he said.