• Pope Leo XIV urges the faithful to shed indifference and stand in solidarity with the suffering.
• He addressed approximately 26,000 people in St. Peter's Square for his "Urbi et Orbi" message.
• The pontiff emphasized the need for peace, justice, and dialogue in regions torn by conflict.
• Leo recalled the challenges faced by the people of Gaza, Yemen, and various conflict zones in Africa.
• This year marks the conclusion of the Holy Year as it wraps up by the Epiphany celebration on January 6.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas Day message, urging the faithful to shed indifference towards those suffering from hardship, particularly highlighting those in Gaza and Yemen, as well as the many migrants seeking better futures across continents. Speaking to a crowd of around 26,000 from St. Peter's Square, he expressed that indifference must be replaced by compassion and action to alleviate suffering, emphasizing, "If he would truly enter into the suffering of others and stand in solidarity with the weak and the oppressed, then the world would change,” according to latimes and npr.

During the address, the pontiff called for "justice, peace and stability" in conflict-stricken areas including Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, and Ukraine. He also acknowledged broader global issues, urging compassionate responses to the victims of “injustice, political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism” in countries such as Sudan, South Sudan, and Mali. "Peace can emerge only through dialogue," he underscored, reflecting a strong call for reconciliation and humanitarian support, according to npr and africanews.

Pope Leo also revived the tradition of addressing the faithful in multiple languages, a practice dropped by his predecessor, and received enthusiastic responses when greeting the crowd in English and Spanish. This Christmas marks a significant moment as he emphasized the importance of community support in the face of adversity and the need for global solidarity to tackle pressing humanitarian issues, according to africanews and latimes.

Thousands braved the rainy weather to attend the Christmas Day Mass, where the Vatican was decorated with floral arrangements commemorating the Christmas season and significant religious events. The Pope's remarks come at the close of the Holy Year celebrations, set to conclude with the Epiphany on January 6, marking a period of reflection on the themes of faith and hope in light of suffering, according to africanews and npr.