The pope spoke during Christmas celebrations at St Peter’s Basilica, where Christians worldwide mark the birth of Jesus. His remarks stood out as Christmas sermons are usually focused on faith rather than current affairs.
Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, reflected on the birth of Jesus in a stable, saying God had “pitched his fragile tent” among humanity.
“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked.
Elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, Leo is known for his calm and diplomatic approach. He generally avoids political references, making his Gaza comments particularly notable.
In recent weeks, however, the pope has repeatedly expressed concern over the situation in Gaza. Last month, he told journalists that any lasting solution to the conflict must include a Palestinian state.
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Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October after nearly two years of intense military operations. Despite this, humanitarian organisations say aid remains limited, while almost the entire population of Gaza has been left homeless.
During the service attended by thousands, Pope Leo also spoke about global suffering caused by war and displacement.
“Fragile is the flesh of defenseless 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,” he said.
Later in the day, Pope Leo is scheduled to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” message, which often addresses major global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Pope Leo’s message shows a shift from silence to moral clarity. His words signal growing concern within the Vatican. The sermon may increase global attention on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
