Pope Leo XIV surprises with an emotional message at the first Christmas mass

Pope Leo XIV surprises with an emotional message at the first Christmas mass

On December 24, 2025, Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas mass in St. Peter's Basilica. This festive celebration began at 10 p.m., later than that of his predecessor Francis, and is considered one of the highlights of the Vatican's Christmas calendar. Despite the rainy weather, many believers gathered in St. Peter's Square to watch the mass on large screens. Leo XIV welcomed those present and thanked them for coming, while wishing them a Merry Christmas. His sermon emphasized the central message of peace and the love of God and concluded with a special blessing for the families of the believers.

Prayers began in the packed St. Peter's Basilica, accompanied by the singing of Christmas carols by the Sistine Chapel choir. For Pope Leo XIV, who recently took office, it was his first Christmas Eve as pope. The Christmas mass commemorated the birth of Jesus Christ and presented the Christmas message from the Gospel of Luke (Lk 2:10-11).

Festive atmosphere and traditions

The Christmas mass, also known as the “Mass of the Angels”, was performed in a festively decorated environment. A 27 meter high Christmas tree from South Tyrol shone on St. Peter's Square, symbolizing solidarity and peace. Particular attention was also paid to the nativity scene, which shows regional motifs from the diocese of Nocera Inferiore-Sarno in Campania. It depicts Jesus, Mary, Joseph, an ox, a donkey and a shepherdess with local gifts. This tradition highlights the cultural connections within the church and the community.

In addition, the visitors were captivated by the festive lighting design in the basilica and the silence of Christmas Night. The Christmas Mass is celebrated in many church communities as the highlight of the Christmas season, with the “Gloria” giving it a special solemn character that reflects the jubilant song of the angels and emphasizes the light as a central motif.

Predecessors and review

In contrast, Pope Francis, who celebrated Christmas Mass for the eleventh time in 2023, celebrated the mass at 7:30 p.m. This year, too, the focus was on the Christmas message, which he accompanied with a sermon that discussed the circumstances of the birth of Jesus as well as the challenges and concerns of today's world. It was important to him to make it clear to believers that they should actively participate in the values ​​of charity and mercy.

With Christmas Mass 2025, Pope Leo XIV continued a tradition that is closely linked to the roots of the Christian community. The Holy Year, which Francis opened in a wheelchair in 2024, will end on January 6, 2026, underscoring the festive significance of this important night.