In a powerful and poignant first Christmas address, Pope Leo XIV used the global platform on Thursday to deliver a stark condemnation of the ongoing war in Gaza, labelling it as senseless and a source of deep, unhealed wounds for its people. The pontiff's message, delivered during the Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, centred on the immense suffering of ordinary civilians caught in conflicts.
A Plea for Gaza's Displaced and Suffering
Pope Leo XIV directly questioned how the world could remain indifferent to the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. He asked how anyone could ignore families forced to live in tents, exposed for weeks to relentless rain, wind, and cold. The Pope emphasised that it is always common people who bear the heaviest burden, whether the fighting is active or has ceased. "Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," he stated, painting a vivid picture of the conflict's aftermath.
This significant message followed his first Christmas Mass celebration on Wednesday evening, where he described Christmas as a season rooted in faith, charity, and hope. Despite inclement weather, the Pope stepped outside the basilica to greet an estimated crowd of 5,000 faithful, thanking those who followed the service on large screens. He warmly noted that the historic church was "not large enough to receive all of you."
Bethlehem's Tentative Return to Festivity
Meanwhile, in the biblical town of Bethlehem, a sense of cautious celebration returned. Hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Church of the Nativity on Wednesday night for Christmas Mass. This event marked the city's first festive Christmas observance since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, as previous celebrations had been muted by the conflict. With a fragile truce holding in Gaza, parades and music once again filled the streets.
Inside the ancient church, pews filled quickly, with many attendees standing or sitting on the floor due to the large turnout. Just before midnight, a procession of dozens of clergy entered to the sound of organ music, followed by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Cardinal Pizzaballa's Message of Hope from Gaza
In his homily, Cardinal Pizzaballa spoke of peace, hope, and renewal. He shared insights from his recent visit to Gaza, noting that suffering persists there despite the ceasefire. The Cardinal expressed being deeply moved by the resilience and strength of Gaza's residents and their determination to rebuild their lives. "The wounds are deep, yet I have to say, here too, there too, their proclamation of Christmas resounds," he told the congregation. "When I met them, I was struck by their strength and desire to start over."
The parallel narratives from Vatican City and Bethlehem underscore a unified call for peace and highlight the human cost of the war, even as communities strive to find moments of faith and normalcy amidst enduring hardship.
