Pope Leo XIV delivers first Christmas address with calls for compassion and dialogue to end global conflicts

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas address as pontiff to issue a sweeping appeal for empathy, peace and international cooperation, focusing repeatedly on the suffering caused by war, poverty and displacement, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. Addressing about 26,000 people from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, the first U.S.-born pope urged believers to reject indifference and recognize the shared fragility of humanity. He framed the Christmas story as a reminder that suffering and hope are inseparable.  The Pope said:  “In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying