In a profound and moving first Christmas address, Pope Leo has drawn a direct line between humanity's treatment of the vulnerable and its acceptance of God. Speaking during the solemn Christmas Eve Mass at St Peter's Basilica, the pontiff told the faithful that the nativity story carries a timeless, urgent lesson for the modern world.
A Message Rooted in the Nativity
The Pope centred his homily on the iconic scene of Jesus's birth in a stable, a consequence of there being "no room at the inn." He argued this biblical event is not merely historical but a perpetual mirror held up to society. "To refuse one is to refuse the other," Leo declared, connecting the act of turning away those in need with a spiritual rejection of the divine.
"On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person," he stated unequivocally to the congregation of approximately 6,000 inside the basilica. His words reinforced a core theme of his early papacy, which has consistently championed the rights and dignity of immigrants and the impoverished.
Confronting a "Distorted Economy"
Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, who was elected in May following the death of Pope Francis, did not shy away from contemporary critiques. He lamented an economic system that reduces human beings to commodities, a stark contrast to the incarnation of God as a vulnerable child. "While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person," he said.
He further quoted his predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, on the world's failure to adequately care for children, the poor, and foreigners. In a poignant conclusion, he offered a transformative vision: "Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God. Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple."
A Damp but Devoted Gathering
The historic service extended beyond the walls of the basilica. Despite a heavy downpour in Rome, around 5,000 dedicated followers watched the proceedings on large screens in St Peter's Square, clad in ponchos and holding umbrellas. The 70-year-old Pope acknowledged their devotion, coming out to greet them before the Mass began.
"I admire and respect and thank you for your courage and your wanting to be here this evening, even in this weather," he told the rain-soaked crowd, demonstrating his characteristic pastoral touch.
This Christmas Eve Mass marks Pope Leo's entry into the global Christmas celebrations as leader of the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. His festive duties continue on Christmas Day with a traditional Mass and the delivery of the significant twice-yearly "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) message and blessing, where he is expected to elaborate further on these themes of global solidarity and human dignity.
