Pope Leo XIV delivered his Christmas Message on Thursday, urging a responsible pursuit of global peace through dialogue and reconciliation. His words, delivered before the traditional Urbi et Orbi blessing before thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square, emphasized that “this is the path to peace: responsibility.”

The Holy Father affirmed that the world would experience a significant change if every individual, at every level, “instead of accusing others, were to first acknowledge their own faults and at the same time put themselves in the place of those who suffer, and show solidarity with the weakest and most oppressed.” In this regard, he emphasized that “each of us can and must do our part to reject hatred, violence, and confrontation, and to practice dialogue, peace, and reconciliation.”

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Within the framework of his address, the Holy Father referred specifically to the complex situation in the Middle East, imploring “justice, peace, and stability” for the region. Leo XIV denounced the critical conditions faced by the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, expressing his concern for the thousands of people who remained in tents exposed to the rain, wind, and cold.

During his address, the leader of the Catholic Church recalled the obligation established by international law to protect the civilian population and emphasized that collective punishment, the indiscriminate use of force, and the forced displacement of people are prohibited. In this context, he urged the faithful to promote reconciliation and peace in their communities.

In this context, the Pope reiterated his call for an end to the war in Gaza and for the safe entry of humanitarian aid, amid the already worsening humanitarian situation in the enclave with the arrival of winter.

Catholics fired Pope Francis, the first Jesuit and Latin American in the history of the Church, in 2025. The conclave chose the American Robert Francis Prevost as its successor. He chose the name of Leo XVI. pic.twitter.com/9sS856swAk

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) December 25, 2025

The Bishop of Rome also lamented the bloody clashes in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. He extended his concern for the serious problems afflicting “the beloved people of Haiti,” demanding an end to “all forms of violence” in that country. He called on political leaders in Latin America to prioritize dialogue for the common good when facing numerous challenges.

Doctors in the besieged Gaza Strip have long warned that they are struggling to save lives as Israel continues to block the entry of essential medical supplies. Throughout Israel’s genocide, now spanning more than two years, Gaza’s healthcare system has been systematically… pic.twitter.com/l4fRinD8D1

— WearThePeace (@WearThePeaceCo) December 25, 2025

The Pope expressed his support for restoring hope to young generations in Myanmar through the path of peace. In his Christmas message, he also wished for “the revival of the long-standing friendship between Thailand and Cambodia, and for the parties involved to continue striving for reconciliation and peace.” The Pope lamented the devastating recent natural disasters that severely affected entire populations in South Asia and Oceania, inviting everyone “to renew with conviction the common commitment to help those who suffer.”

Leo XIV expressed his solidarity with the inhabitants of Gaza, where more than 70,000 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli attacks. He also expressed his support for “those who suffer from hunger and poverty, such as the Yemeni people,” and for “the many refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean or traveling through the Americas.”

Earlier, during the Christmas Mass celebrated at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV had stated that “when the fragility of others pierces our hearts, when the pain of others shatters our unwavering certainties, then peace begins.” He emphasized that “peace is born amidst ruins that cry out for a new solidarity; it is born of dreams and visions.”

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