• Links Jesus’ birth in stable to rain-soaked tents of displaced Palestinians; insists Palestinian statehood remains only viable solution
• Challenges global conscience on ‘defenceless populations’ exposed to winter cold; sermon blasts ‘falsehoods’ of warmongers

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV used his Christmas sermon on Thursday to issue an unusually direct and impassioned plea for the beleaguered people of Palestine, drawing global attention to the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza after two years of devastating Israeli bombardment.

Celebrating his first Christmas since being elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV—the first American pontiff—drew a stark parallel between the birth of Jesus and the suffering of Palestinians, lamenting the plight of displaced families forced to live in squalid conditions.

He told thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Basilica that the story of Jesus being born in a stable demonstrated how God had “pitched his fragile tent” among the people of the world, directly referencing the makeshift shelters now housing over a million displaced Palestinians.

“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” Leo asked, challenging the international conscience regarding the besieged territory where nearly the entire population has been rendered homeless.

The pope decried the destruction caused by the military onslaught, highlighting the vulnerability of those stripped of protection.

“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” the pope said.

Leo has decried the conditions for Palestinians in Gaza several times recently, stating firmly to journalists last month that the only viable solution to the decades-long occupation and conflict must include the recognition of a Palestinian state.

While Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October following years of intense Israeli military operations, the humanitarian crisis remains acute.

Humanitarian agencies report that insufficient aid is reaching the enclave, and heavy rains have battered Gaza in recent days, compounding the harsh conditions for residents.

While Gaza struggles to survive amidst the rubble, the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem managed to emerge from the shadow of the war to celebrate its first festive Christmas in more than two years.

Throughout the conflict, a sombre tone had marked Christmases in the biblical birthplace of Jesus Christ. However, celebrations returned Wednesday with parades and music as a fragile truce held in Gaza.

Hundreds of worshippers gathered for mass at the Church of the Nativity, which was built on the grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born. The joy was palpable despite the ongoing occupation.

Message of peace

While centring his message on Palestine, the pope used his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) message from the central balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to call for an end to global violence.

He condemned the “senselessness” of war and the falsehoods propagated by leaders who perpetuate conflict.

“Fragile are the minds and lives of young people forced to take up arms, who on the front lines feel the senselessness of what is asked of them and the falsehoods that fill the pompous speeches of those who send them to their deaths,” he said.

Leo specifically addressed the conflict in Ukraine, urging Russia and Ukraine to find the “courage” to hold direct talks. He stated that the people of Ukraine have been “tormented” by violence as Russian troops threaten cities critical to eastern defences.

Published in Dawn, December 26th, 2025