Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass as leader of the roman Catholic Church Wednesday, delivering a message of hope as the Jubilee year-a period of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal-draws to a close [[1]]. The American-born pontiff, elected in May 2025 [[3]], presided over the service in St. Peter’s Basilica amid ongoing global economic concerns and calls for peace,notably requesting a Christmas truce that was not universally embraced [[2]].
Vatican City – Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Eve Mass as pontiff Wednesday evening in St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a message of “charity and hope” amid concerns over global economic disparities. The service marked a significant moment for the Catholic Church, coming at the close of a special Jubilee year that drew millions of pilgrims to Rome.
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Prior to the Mass, the American-born Pope greeted approximately 5,000 faithful gathered on St. Peter’s Square, many standing in the rain and watching the ceremony on large screens due to limited space inside the basilica.
“St. Peter’s Basilica is very large, but unfortunately not large enough to accommodate all of you. I admire and respect, and thank you for your courage and desire to be here tonight,” he said in English.
Addressing an audience of roughly 6,000 people, including cardinals, bishops, and diplomats, Pope Leo XIV delivered a deeply religious homily, refraining from direct commentary on current events. His style is considered more reserved than that of his predecessor, Pope Francis.
“As a distorted economy leads to treating people as commodities, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person,” the Pope declared. This statement highlights the Church’s ongoing concern with economic justice and human rights.
“Let us proclaim the joy of Christmas, which is the feast of faith, charity, and hope,” he added.
The solemn ceremony, commemorating the birth of Christ, featured traditional hymns and symbolic gestures. Pope Leo XIV opted for a later start time of 7:30 PM, a change from the 6:30 PM schedule maintained during Pope Francis’s pontificate.
PHOTO ANDREAS SOLARO, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Pope Leo XIV’s Christmas Mass
Another significant shift in tradition: Pope Leo XIV will preside over the Christmas Day Mass on Thursday morning, reviving a practice last regularly observed during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II (1978-2005).
At noon, he will deliver his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) blessing from the basilica’s balcony, a traditional address during which the Pope typically reviews global conflicts. The development underscores the Vatican’s continued role as a moral voice on the international stage.
A staunch advocate for a peace that is “disarmed and disarming,” the head of the Catholic Church is expected to renew his calls for peace. On Tuesday evening, Pope Leo XIV had already requested a one-day Christmas truce worldwide, expressing regret that “Russia appears to have rejected the call for a ceasefire.”
No New Testament text specifies the day or hour of Jesus of Nazareth’s birth. The celebration on December 25th in Western Christian tradition was chosen in the 4th century.
This Christmas in 2025 coincides with the conclusion of the Jubilee, a “Holy Year” for the Church that has attracted millions of pilgrims to Rome.
