Pope Leo XIV Marks First Christmas with Call for Truce, Criticizes 'Distorted Economy'

• Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas mass as pontiff in St Peter's Square, greeting thousands of faithful despite rainy weather.
• During the mass, Leo XIV emphasized Christmas as a feast of "faith, charity and hope" and criticized a "distorted economy" that treats humans as "mere merchandise."
• The US pope adopted a more discreet style compared to his predecessor Francis and held the mass later, renewing a tradition of a second mass on Christmas Day from John Paul II's time.
• Leo XIV called for a global truce on Christmas Day, expressing sadness over Russia's rejection of a request for one in Ukraine.
• He will give his "Urbi et Orbi" blessing on Thursday, where popes typically address global conflicts and call for peace.

Why It Matters: Pope Leo XIV's first Christmas mass blended traditional celebration with calls for peace and economic justice.