Pope Leo XIV Emphasizes Compassion for the Needy in Christmas Eve Homily

In his inaugural Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV underscored the Christian duty to assist the poor and strangers. Reflecting on Jesus' birth in a stable due to lack of accommodation, he stated that neglecting those in need is akin to rejecting God. The pontiff emphasized that God's presence is inherent in every individual, urging the faithful to recognize and honor this in their interactions. Approximately 6,000 attendees gathered inside the basilica for the solemn service, while an additional 5,000 braved the rain in St. Peter's Square to participate via large screens. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, has prioritized care for immigrants and the impoverished since his election in May. He has also reinstated the traditional timing of the Christmas Eve Mass to 10 p.m., a practice not observed since the pontificate of St. John Paul II. The pope is scheduled to celebrate a Christmas Day Mass and deliver the Urbi et Orbi blessing, marking the conclusion of the Jubilee Year initiated by his predecessor, Pope Francis.