Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas Mass since assuming the papacy, placed strong emphasis on the economy and human dignity, stressing that God wishes to free people “from every form of slavery.”
“While a distorted economy leads us to treat people as commodities,” said Pope Robert Francis Prevost, “God makes Himself like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person. While human beings seek to become gods in order to dominate their neighbors, God chooses to become human in order to liberate us from every form of slavery. Will this love,” the Pope asked rhetorically, “be enough to change our history?”
Before the Mass began, Pope Leo XIV unveiled the face of the Infant Jesus in the Nativity scene, placed on a small throne before the Altar of the Confession in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.
His gesture was followed by a floral tribute from children from around the world, including Ukraine.
According to the Holy See Press Office, approximately 6,000 faithful attended the Mass inside the Basilica, while another 5,000 remained outside, following the celebration via giant screens.
Pope Leo XIV also greeted the faithful who stood in the rain outside St. Peter’s Basilica ahead of his first Christmas Eve Mass as Pope, saying: “Welcome everyone, bienvenidos,” from the steps of the Vatican Basilica.
