Pope Leo XIV Addresses Rain-Soaked Faithful Before Christmas Eve Mass

On Wednesday night, Pope Leo XIV addressed the rain-soaked crowd in St. Peter's Square before leading his first Christmas Eve Mass. Speaking in both English and Italian, he acknowledged the limitations of the basilica's capacity and expressed gratitude for the attendees' dedication.

The Mass lasted nearly two and a half hours and included a homily in which Pope Leo recounted the story of Jesus Christ's birth and its global significance. He also touched upon contemporary issues, criticizing the globalized economy and referencing ongoing military conflicts. He stated that while a distorted economy leads to treating human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person.