VATICAN CITY — A new chapter has gracefully unfolded in the heart of the Catholic Church as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas mass as pontiff, a truly momentous occasion that resonated with thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square and beyond.
A Message of Faith, Charity, and Hope
On Wednesday, the crisp air was filled with anticipation as Pope Leo XIV, who assumed the papacy after the passing of his beloved predecessor Francis, led his inaugural Christmas service. Addressing the jubilant crowds, Leo XIV profoundly declared Christmas a feast of “faith, charity and hope.” His homily, deeply rooted in religious tenets, also carried a powerful social critique. He did not shy away from criticizing a “distorted economy” that, in his words, “leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise,” reminding believers of the inherent dignity of every person.
Before the grand service, Pope Leo XIV appeared before St. Peter’s Basilica, extending warm Christmas wishes and expressing heartfelt gratitude to the estimated 5,000 attendees who bravely faced the rainy weather to follow the mass on outdoor screens. “St Peter’s is very large but unfortunately it is not large enough to receive all of you,” he humbly acknowledged, a gesture that immediately connected him with the faithful.
A Distinctive Pontificate Takes Shape
The 70-year-old American pope has quickly established a more discreet and moderate style compared to the charismatic papacy of Francis. This first Christmas mass was attended by high-ranking Church figures, diplomats, and around 6,000 faithful inside the basilica, witnessing a homily that remained strictly religious, deliberately avoiding direct references to current geopolitical affairs during the mass itself.
The ceremony, a cornerstone of the Catholic Church calendar, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, beautifully blending traditional sacred music with symbolic gestures, such as the reverent placing of a statue of the baby Jesus in a cradle.
Renewing Traditions and Setting New Rhythms
Pope Leo XIV introduced subtle yet significant changes to the Christmas schedule. Breaking from the practice of his more elderly predecessor, Francis, who held Christmas mass earlier in the evening, Leo XIV opted for a later service time. Furthermore, in a touching nod to history, he announced a second mass on Christmas Day, Thursday, renewing a cherished tradition from the time of the late Pope John Paul II (1978-2005).
Following this, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to deliver his highly anticipated “Urbi et Orbi” blessing at 1100 GMT from the balcony of the basilica. This traditional address is often where popes speak about global conflicts and issue passionate calls for peace, a moment eagerly awaited by the world.
A Heartfelt Plea for Global Truce
Even before the Christmas celebrations commenced, Pope Leo XIV demonstrated his commitment to peace. On Tuesday, from his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, he issued a fervent call for a global truce on Christmas Day. He expressed “great sadness” that “apparently Russia rejected a request” for one in Ukraine, underscoring the deep impact of ongoing conflicts on the pontiff’s heart. “I am renewing my request to all people of good will to respect a day of peace — at least on the feast of the birth of our Saviour,” he told reporters.
Looking ahead, Christmas 2025 holds additional significance as it marks the conclusion of the Catholic Church’s Jubilee Holy Year, an event that has already drawn millions of pilgrims to Rome. Pope Leo XIV’s first Christmas as pontiff has not only marked a profound spiritual milestone but also offered a clear glimpse into the gentle yet firm leadership style that will define his papacy, blending cherished tradition with a profound commitment to peace and human dignity.
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