Pope Leo decries plight of Palestinians in Gaza in first Christmas sermon

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo, in his first Christmas sermon, expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation of Palestinians in Gaza, delivering an unusually direct message during what is traditionally a solemn, spiritual service marking the birth of Jesus Christ.

The first US pontiff said the nativity story — with Jesus born in a humble stable — symbolised that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among humanity.

“How then can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked.

Pope Leo, elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, is generally viewed as soft-spoken and diplomatic, and rarely introduces political references into his sermons. However, he has repeatedly voiced concern in recent months about conditions in Gaza and has said a lasting solution to the decades-long conflict must include the creation of a Palestinian state.

He also lamented the hardship faced by migrants and refugees “traversing the American continent”, reiterating a key theme of his early papacy. The pope, who has previously criticised U.S. immigration crackdowns, did not name any political leaders in his address. In a Christmas Eve sermon, he said refusing support to the poor and strangers amounted to rejecting God.

‘Rubble and open wounds’ of war

During the Christmas service in St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by thousands, Pope Leo spoke more broadly about the suffering caused by conflicts around the world.

“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tested by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” he said.

He also reflected on the plight of young soldiers “forced to take up arms” and sent to the front lines, where they experience “the senselessness of what is asked of them” and the “falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths.”

Israel and Hamas agreed a ceasefire in October after years of Israeli bombardment and military operations following a deadly Hamas-led attack in October 2023. Aid agencies say humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza remains insufficient and that nearly the entire population has been displaced.

Appeal for peace in Ukraine, Thailand and Cambodia

Delivering his traditional Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) blessing from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo called for an end to wars across the globe.

He voiced concern over conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia, among others, urging dialogue backed by the international community.

On Ukraine, where Russian forces continue pressure on key eastern cities, the pope said the population had been “tormented” by violence.

“May the clamour of weapons cease,” he said, appealing for “sincere, direct and respectful dialogue.”

Referring to border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, now in their third week, Pope Leo urged both nations to restore their “ancient friendship” and work towards reconciliation and peace.