In his Urbi et Orbi address on the occasion of Christmas, Pope Leo XIV urged humanity to embrace both personal and collective responsibility in the pursuit of peace.
He declared that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes true peace, which has the power to overcome sin, hatred, and violence through God's merciful love, as reported by the local outlet Vatican News.
Speaking from St. Peter's Square, the Pontiff reminded listeners that Jesus was born in poverty, placed in a manger because "there was no room for Him in the inn."
This event, he emphasized, illustrates that the Son of God chose humility and solidarity with the most vulnerable, aligning himself with the poor, the marginalized, and those who suffer.
Leo XIV reiterated that peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but a journey requiring the acknowledgment of one's own mistakes, seeking forgiveness, and committing to love and solidarity.
"God, who created us without us, cannot save us without us," the Pope noted, highlighting that peace begins in the heart of every individual.
The Christmas message also had a pronounced international focus.
The Holy Father mentioned nations afflicted by war, violence, and natural disasters, including the Middle East, Ukraine, Latin America, Myanmar, Sudan, and Haiti, urging political leaders to pursue dialogue, reconciliation, and justice.
Additionally, he expressed his solidarity with migrants, refugees, unemployed youth, prisoners, and those exploited, asserting that opening one's heart to them is opening it to Christ himself. "The birth of the Lord is the birth of peace," he reiterated.
Leo XIV concluded his address by noting that Christmas transcends external celebrations and gifts, calling for a concrete commitment to justice, fraternity, and human dignity.
The Urbi et Orbi message concluded with the traditional papal blessing, against a global backdrop marked by conflicts, humanitarian crises, and deep inequalities, which the Pontiff urged to be met with peace, responsibility, and mercy.
Insights on Pope Leo XIV's Christmas Address
What was the central theme of Pope Leo XIV's Christmas message?
The central theme was the call for personal and collective responsibility in creating peace, emphasizing love, humility, and solidarity.
How does Pope Leo XIV define peace?
Pope Leo XIV defines peace not just as the absence of conflict, but as a path that requires acknowledgment of mistakes, forgiveness, and a commitment to love and solidarity.
What international issues did Pope Leo XIV highlight in his address?
He highlighted issues faced by nations such as the Middle East, Ukraine, Latin America, Myanmar, Sudan, and Haiti, urging for dialogue, reconciliation, and justice.