Pope Leo Decries Gaza Plight, Global Wars in First Christmas Sermon

• Pope Leo used his first Christmas sermon to directly lament the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, comparing their "tents" to Jesus' humble birth.
• He noted 1.9 million Gazans are displaced, living in tent cities after widespread destruction.
• Departing from his usual diplomatic tone, Leo also criticized crackdowns on migrants in the United States and elsewhere.
• The Pope condemned other global conflicts, citing "rubble and open wounds" in Ukraine, Sudan, Mali, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia.
• He urged an end to violence, sincere dialogue, and international support for peace, reiterating his call for a Palestinian state.

Why It Matters: Pope Leo passionately condemned the suffering in Gaza and global conflicts, urging peace and dialogue.