Vatican City (HRNW)– Pope Leo IV, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, in his first Christmas address, expressed deep concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Speaking during a special Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, Pope Leo IV said that wars around the world have left behind destruction and open wounds, with civilians bearing the heaviest burden. Addressing nearly 26,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he asked how the world could forget the refugee camps in Gaza that have been battered for weeks by rain, strong winds, and severe cold.
The Pope’s remarks came as heavy rains in recent days further worsened conditions in Gaza. According to the United Nations, almost the entire population of Gaza has been displaced during the ongoing conflict, with more than 1.3 million people in urgent need of shelter. The UN also warned that freezing temperatures pose serious risks to children, women, and the elderly living in refugee camps.
In his address, Pope Leo IV also called for solidarity and compassion toward those in need in Europe, a statement observers view as a response to rising anti-migrant sentiments. During his Christmas prayer service, he urged Russia and Ukraine to show courage and engage in direct negotiations to end the nearly four-year-long war, emphasizing sincerity, respect, and dialogue with the support of the international community.
His statement comes amid recent separate meetings between Russian and Ukrainian officials and US mediators aimed at exploring ways to end the war that began in February 2022.
It is worth noting that Pope Leo IV met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Vatican last month, where both leaders agreed on the need for urgent humanitarian assistance to Gaza and reiterated support for a two-state solution for Palestine.
Pope Leo IV, a native of Chicago whose real name is Robert Prevost, became the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
Meanwhile, HRNW appeals to donors and well-wishers to support its humanitarian relief efforts for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement. Donations can be made at:
https://www.hrnww.com/donate-us/
