Pope Leo XIV stated in his 'Urbi et Orbi' message: 'Today, peace has descended from heaven upon us.' The Argentine News Agency reported this, citing a Vatican News report. The Pope also recalled that Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for him in the inn; Mary wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, a humble feeding trough for animals. 'This gesture reveals that the Son of God, the Creator of all, chose poverty and humility out of love for humanity. With his birth, Jesus identifies with the marginalized, the excluded, and those who suffer, showing that true greatness is found in solidarity and love for others,' he continued. A call for world peace Pope Leo XIV, as he had done on Christmas Eve, called for world peace and again mentioned the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. For Christmas, he also added Latin America, Myanmar, and Sudan, as well as other regions affected by conflicts, violence, and natural disasters. First Christmas Mass celebrated by Leo XIV On Wednesday evening, Leo XIV celebrated the first Christmas Mass of his pontificate in St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, where he delivered a message of 'charity and hope.' Just before the Mass, the American Pope went out to St. Peter's Square to greet some 5,000 faithful gathered in the rain to watch the ceremony on giant screens due to lack of space inside the basilica. 'St. Peter's Basilica is very large, but unfortunately not large enough to receive you all. Rejoice in the Lord all, for our Savior has been born in the world. I admire and respect you, and I thank you for your courage and the desire to be here tonight,' he said in English, according to a DW report.
