Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Mass address from St. Peter’s Basilica, highlighting the dire conditions faced by Gazans amid ongoing winter hardships and the plight of refugees globally. He emphasized the fragility of human life, particularly among young people caught in wars, and urged humanity to confront suffering rather than retreat into comfort. The pontiff noted the catastrophic impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where over 71,000 Palestinians have died since the war began. He called for compassion and a deeper understanding of others’ struggles, reflecting Jesus’ teachings on human misery.
