Pope Leo’s coat of arms now hangs from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, the balcony where he first greeted the world as Pope after his election on May 8.
Despite the dreary weather, the faithful filled St Peter's Square for the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing to the City of Rome and to the world. They were in for a surprise: the Pope appeared unexpectedly in the popemobile to greet them.
This happened just before he made his way to the central loggia for his Christmas address and the “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, which is only given twice a year—on Christmas and Easter.
It all began like this…
The same scene, the same hymns, and the same ornaments. An image that recalled the day he was elected. What changed was Pope Leo's speech—now more prepared and settled after seven months of his papacy.
Popes usually use the Urbi et Orbi to deliver their most globally concerned message of the year. As such, Pope Leo referred to the conflicts in the Holy Land and in Ukraine.
POPE LEO XIV
To Him, we implore justice, peace, and stability for Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria, trusting in these divine words: “The work of justice will be peace, and the fruit of justice, tranquility and security forever.” Let us pray especially for the afflicted Ukrainian people, that the roar of arms may cease and that the parties involved, with the support of the international community, find the courage to engage in sincere, direct, and respectful dialogue.
The Pope also remembered the forgotten wars: those in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He prayed for the problems affecting various continents, such as those in Latin America and Europe.
Pope Leo also spoke about how Jesus takes on human fragility and knows and walks with the suffering of each person and community: the poor, those who have left their homes, and those who have lost everything.
POPE LEO XIV
With those who have nothing and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those suffering hunger and poverty, like the people of Yemen; with those fleeing their lands in search of a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants crossing the Mediterranean or traveling across the Americas.
But the Pope did not stop there. He also referenced problems emerging in today’s society, related to unemployment and housing crises.
POPE LEO XIV
With those who have lost their jobs and those seeking employment, like so many young people struggling to find work; with those who are exploited, like countless underpaid workers; with those in prison, often living in inhumane conditions.
Lastly, after concluding his Christmas address, Pope Leo bestowed the Urbi et Orbi blessing. This was then followed by music from marching bands who played the anthems of both Italy and the Vatican.
CA
