On December 24 in Rome, it poured with rain all day long. But that did not stop the Vatican from celebrating Christmas in full fashion.
Neither the late hour, nor the cold, nor the bad weather stopped the pilgrims. Pope Leo, knowing that many could not attend the Mass inside due to capacity limits, went out to greet them beforehand.
POPE LEO XIV
Buonasera. Benvenuti tutti! Bienvenidos! Welcome! The Basilica of Saint Peter is a very large Basilica, it is very large, but unfortunately not large enough to receive all of you. I admire and respect and thank you for your courage and your willingness to be here this evening.
If you take a closer look at the sash hanging from the Pope's fascia, you can see it includes his pontifical coat of arms. Latin, meanwhile, was the primary language used in the liturgy.
During the Christmas Eve Vigil Mass, Pope Leo was dressed in gold, a color used on great solemnities and one that highlights the greatness of what is being celebrated—something that can be summed up in this moment.
There were many other beautiful moments like this one, a truly angelic voice.
In his homily, the Pope recalled why the day of Jesus’ birth is unique.
POPE LEO XIV
It is a feast of charity, because the gift of the redeeming Son is realized in fraternal self-giving. It is a feast of hope, because the Child Jesus ignites it within us, making us messengers of peace.
After the concluding rites, Pope Leo carried the Child Jesus in his arms to place Him in a Nativity scene in St. Peter's southern transept.
This closing moment reminds the faithful that beyond the festive pomp, it is Christ's humble birth in a manger that is the cause of our hope and our joy.
CA
