Pope Leo XIV condemned the “senselessness” of war and the “open wounds” it leaves behind as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday, after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine.

In Bethlehem, the Christian community celebrated its first festive Christmas in more than two years as the occupied West Bank city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza.

Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of his predecessor Pope Francis, spoke of Gaza during a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, saying, “How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold.”

“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” the pope said.

Pope Leo XIV condemned the “senselessness” of war and the “open wounds” it leaves behind as he delivered his first Christmas message on Thursday, after a year marked by conflict but also hopes for peace in Gaza and Ukraine.

In Bethlehem, the Christian community celebrated its first festive Christmas in more than two years as the occupied West Bank city emerged from the shadow of the war in Gaza.

Pope Leo, elected in May following the death of his predecessor Pope Francis, spoke of Gaza during a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, saying, “How… can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold.”

“Fragile is the flesh of defenceless populations, tried by so many wars, ongoing or concluded, leaving behind rubble and open wounds,” the pope said.

Rami al-Far, another attendee, said: “Our celebrations are very limited. We try to live as best we can with what we have.”