Pope Leo has delivered an unexpectedly pointed message by drawing parallels between the biblical nativity and the plight of Palestinians sheltering in tents across Gaza in his inaugural Christmas sermon.
The American pontiff, elected to the papacy in May following the death of Pope Francis, departed from his characteristically reserved approach to political matters.
Addressing thousands gathered at St Peter's Basilica on Thursday, he referenced Jesus's birth in a stable as God having "pitched his fragile tent" amongst humanity.
Pope Leo then posed a direct question: "How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?"
The intervention represented an unusual departure from the solemn, spiritual tone typically maintained during the Christmas Day service.
The pontiff's Christmas message went on to extend to numerous global conflicts, with a call for the "clamour of weapons cease" across war-torn regions worldwide.
He urged those involved in the Ukrainian conflict, where Russian forces continue threatening critical eastern cities, to pursue "sincere, direct and respectful dialogue" with backing from the international community.
The Pontiff's address then referenced violence in Sudan, Mali, and Myanmar amongst other troubled regions.
Pope Leo decried all wars in his Christmas Day sermon
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The Pope made specific mention of border fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, which has entered its third week with at least 80 casualties, requesting that the nations restore their "ancient friendship" to achieve reconciliation.
He spoke of "defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds".
Pope Leo also referenced young soldiers sent to frontlines who "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".
"Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," said the Pope.
"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."
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Pope Leo delivered his address to some 26,000 people
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The pontiff's address also encompassed the situation facing migrants, with particular attention to those journeying across the American continent.
Care for immigrants has emerged as a defining theme during Leo's early months as Pope.
He expressed concern for those displaced from their homes, whether travelling across the Americas or the Mediterranean Sea.
The reference to migration came during his later Christmas blessing, following his morning sermon.
Whilst Pope Leo has previously voiced criticism of US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown policies, he made no direct mention of Trump in Thursday's address.
The pontiff's address also encompassed the situation facing migrants
|REUTERS
Approximately 26,000 faithful congregated in St Peter's Square on Thursday despite persistent rainfall to witness Pope Leo's traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, according to Vatican figures.
The pontiff appeared on the central balcony at noon, receiving cheers from the assembled crowd.
Throughout his addresses, Leo stressed that genuine peace emerges solely through meaningful dialogue.
He articulated this principle directly: "There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other."
The Pope had earlier acknowledged those watching the midnight mass on outdoor screens during heavy rain, expressing gratitude for their attendance regardless of weather conditions.
His Christmas blessing concluded with seasonal greetings delivered in ten languages.
His first Christmas as pontiff serves the world's approximately 1.4 billion Catholics, marking the first time an American has held the position during the festive season.
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