Pope Leo XIV remembers Gaza’s suffering in first Christmas homily

Pope Leo XIV presides over Christmas Day mass at St Peter’s Basilica [Picture: Gregorio Borgia/AP)

Pope Leo XIV has delivered his first Christmas Day homily, remembering the people of Gazabeing “exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold” and saying the world’s conflicts can only be silenced through dialogue.

Leo led the Christmas Day mass from the central altar beneath the balustrade of St Peter’s Basilica, adorned with floral garlands and clusters of red poinsettias. White flowers were set at the feet of a statue of Mary, mother of Jesus, whose birth is celebrated on Christmas Day.