Pope Leo XIV has called on Christians worldwide to live as messengers of hope, peace, and mercy as he presided over the traditional Christmas Day Mass and delivered the Urbi et Orbi blessing at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.
Addressing thousands of faithful inside the basilica and in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized that Christmas is not merely a celebration but a call to action for believers to reflect Christ in their daily lives.
“True peace begins with simple acts of forgiveness and understanding,” Pope Leo urged, encouraging Christians to make peace in their families, communities, and workplaces.
He also called on believers to open their hearts to the Christ child, making their lives a hospitable home for love, compassion, and generosity.
In his message, the Pontiff reminded Christians to remain pilgrims of hope, even as the Jubilee year draws to a close.
He emphasized that hope should not fade with changing seasons or challenges but must be sustained through faith and good works.
The Urbi et Orbi blessing, which means “to the city and to the world,” extended the Pope’s message beyond the Vatican, calling for humanity to reject division and embrace mercy, solidarity, and care for one another.
The Pope also urged believers to pray for those affected by war, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, and called on those involved in these conflicts to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions.
Pope Leo further appealed for peace in other troubled regions, including South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He also called for greater support for people in need, including the homeless, unemployed, sick, and other vulnerable groups, urging Christians to act on God’s expectation of compassion.
Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas celebrations marked a significant moment in his papacy, setting a tone of compassion, reconciliation, and renewed hope for the world.
