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Vatican City, December 25, 2025 — Under a crisp winter sky and before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Urbi et Orbi blessing, offering a message of hope, reconciliation, and global solidarity as the world enters 2026.
Stepping onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at noon, the 88‑year‑old pontiff greeted the faithful in Rome and millions watching via broadcast and livestream around the world. The traditional proclamation, “To the city and to the world,” carried renewed significance as the Pope addressed a year marked by geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and rapid technological change.
A Call for Peace and Human Dignity
In his message, Pope Leo XIV urged nations to “choose dialogue over division” and to protect the dignity of every human being, especially those displaced by conflict, poverty, and climate‑related disasters. He highlighted regions suffering from ongoing violence and appealed for “the courage to build peace where fear has taken root.”
The Pope also emphasized the responsibility of wealthier nations to support vulnerable communities, calling for “a global commitment to justice that does not end at borders.”
Focus on Families, Youth, and the Marginalized
Reflecting on the meaning of Christmas, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the importance of family bonds, intergenerational solidarity, and renewed attention to the elderly and the young.
“May this season remind us that no one is forgotten in God’s eyes,” he said, encouraging communities to extend compassion to migrants, the homeless, and those facing loneliness during the holidays.
A Blessing for the World
Following his address, the Pope imparted the solemn Urbi et Orbi blessing, granting plenary indulgence under the usual conditions to Catholics worldwide. The crowd responded with applause and hymns as the bells of St. Peter’s Basilica rang out across the Vatican.
This year’s celebration marked a significant moment in the pontificate of Leo XIV, who has placed unity, ecological responsibility, and pastoral closeness at the center of his leadership since his election.
As pilgrims slowly dispersed from the square, many expressed gratitude for what they described as a message “the world urgently needed to hear.”
- Hector Pascua/picture: vaticannews.va
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