Pope Leo XIV denounced the “senselessness” of war and the “open wounds” it inflicts, while delivering his inaugural Christmas address following a year dominated by conflicts yet offering glimmers of peace in Gaza and Ukraine, reports RTE.
In Bethlehem, the local Christian population marked its first joyful Christmas in over two years as the city in the occupied West Bank moved beyond the overshadowing effects of the Gaza war.
Pope Leo, elected in May following the passing of his predecessor Pope Francis, referenced Gaza in his remarks during a mass at St Peter’s Basilica, stating: “How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold,” reports RTE.
“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” the pope said, reports RTE.
Heavy rainfall has struck Gaza over recent days, worsening the already difficult living conditions for residents of the Palestinian territory, almost all of whom were forced from their homes during the conflict.
The UN has reported that around 1.3 million individuals now require shelter support in Gaza and has highlighted the growing danger of hypothermia with falling temperatures, reports RTE.
“The war, in all its forms, has been harsh on everyone living on this land,” Elias al-Jalda, a Palestinian Christian from Gaza, told AFP after attending a Christmas mass at Gaza’s only Roman Catholic Church last night, reports RTE.
“We hope this year will mark the beginning of a new phase – one defined by a complete end to the war and the return of life to Gaza,” said Jalda, one of dozens attending the mass.
Rami al-Far, another attendee, said: “Our celebrations are very limited. We try to live as best we can with what we have,” reports RTE.
Joy in Bethlehem
Hundreds of faithful also assembled for mass at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem last night as the Palestinian city welcomed its first celebratory Christmas amid the Gaza conflict, reports RTE.
During the war that started with Hamas’s assault on Israel in October 2023, previous Christmases in the historic birthplace of Jesus Christ had been characterised by a subdued atmosphere.
But festive activities resumed yesterday with processions and performances in the West Bank city, as a tenuous ceasefire persisted in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands endure winter in temporary shelters, reports RTE.
With seats in the Church of the Nativity occupied well ahead of midnight, numerous attendees stood or sat on the ground for the customary mass welcoming Christmas Day.
At 11.15pm organ music filled the air as a procession of many clergy members proceeded in, followed by Jerusalem’s Latin Patriarch, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who blessed the gathering with signs of the cross, reports RTE.
Hundreds joined the procession along Bethlehem’s narrow Star Street yesterday, while a large crowd gathered in the square.
“Today is full of joy because we haven’t been able to celebrate because of the war,” said Milagros Anstas, 17, reports RTE.
Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families took photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star.
As night arrived, colourful lights illuminated Manger Square and a large Christmas tree sparkled beside the Church of the Nativity, reports RTE.
The basilica dates back to the fourth century and was built on top of a grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago.
Hope in Syria
In Syria, festive lights brightened Damascus’s Old City even as the Christian population remained concerned about violence following a fatal incident in June, reports RTE.
Around the area, which hosts several significant churches, red ornaments adorned trees, merchants displayed Christmas decorations and street sellers offered warm chestnuts.
“Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future,” said student Loris Aasaf, 20, reports RTE.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
