‘Fragile flesh of the defenceless’: Pope calls Gaza war senseless in first Christmas address; first celebration in Bethlehem in two years

Pope Leo XIV on Thursday used his first Christmas message to speak against war in Gaza, calling it senseless and saying it leaves behind deep and open wounds. During Christmas Mass at St Peter’s Basilica, the Pope asked how anyone could ignore families living in tents, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold. He said ordinary people suffer the most in wars, whether the fighting is still going on or has already ended."How... can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold," the Pope asked. "Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds," he said.Before this, he celebrated his first Christmas Mass on Wednesday evening, describing Christmas as a time of faith, charity and hope.He also stepped outside St Peter’s Basilica to greet the crowd and thank those who followed the Mass on large screens despite the rain. Around 5,000 people had gathered. He told them the basilica was “not large enough to receive all of you." Christmas in BethlehamIn Bethlehem, hundreds of worshippers gathered on Wednesday night at the Church of the Nativity for Christmas Mass. It marked the city’s first festive Christmas since the Gaza war began in October 2023, after the conflict had muted previous celebrations.As a fragile truce held in Gaza, parades and music returned to the streets of Bethlehem. Inside the church, the pews filled early, with many people standing or sitting on the floor.Just before midnight, organ music played as dozens of clergy entered in procession, followed by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa.In his homily, Pizzaballa spoke about peace, hope and renewal. He referred to his recent visit to Gaza, saying suffering was still present despite the ceasefire. He said he was struck by the strength of people there and their desire to rebuild their lives."The wounds are deep, yet I have to say, here too, there too, their proclamation of Christmas resounds," he said. "When I met them, I was struck by their strength and desire to start over."