Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas message, urges dialogue on Ukraine and Gaza

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday from the main balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, addressing approximately 26,000 to 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square despite intermittent rain.

The pontiff, the first U.S. citizen elected to the papacy, greeted the faithful in 10 languages: French, English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Arabic, Chinese, and Latin. In Spanish, he said: "Merry Christmas. May the peace of Christ reign in your hearts and in all families." He then imparted the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing to Rome and the world, granting plenary indulgence to all the faithful.

In his message, Leo XIV revived a tradition of multilingual greetings that his predecessor, Pope Francis, had not practiced during his 12-year papacy.

The pontiff specifically addressed the humanitarian crises affecting multiple regions. He called for "justice, peace and stability" for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria, acknowledging the suffering of Christians in the Middle East. He stated: "I have heard your fears and I know your sense of powerlessness before the dynamics of power that overwhelm you."

Regarding Ukraine, Leo XIV urged Russia and Ukraine to find "courage" for direct dialogue. He said: "Let us pray in a special way for the tormented people of Ukraine: may the sound of weapons cease and may the parties involved, with the support and commitment of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct and respectful dialogue."

The Pope also highlighted the situation in Gaza, expressing concern about those living in tents and those who have lost everything. He urged the faithful to shed indifference toward those suffering in Gaza, those in poverty in Yemen, and the many migrants crossing the Mediterranean Sea and the American continent seeking a better future.

Leo XIV criticized politicians who mobilize young people for meaningless conflicts, saying they deliver "pompous speeches" filled with "falsehoods" to send soldiers to their deaths. He emphasized that peace requires dialogue and that monologues must be interrupted and enriched by listening to the humanity of others.

The Pope called for "solidarity and acceptance of the needy" in Europe, a possible reference to growing anti-immigration sentiment on the continent. He also drew attention to the challenges faced by refugees and displaced persons across all continents and called for greater attention to those living on the streets.

In his message, Leo XIV stated: "Whoever does not love is not saved, is lost" and outlined responsibility as the path to peace. He said that if each person at all levels, instead of accusing others, first recognized their own shortcomings and asked God for forgiveness while putting themselves in the shoes of those who suffer and showing solidarity with the weak and oppressed, "then the world would change."