VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo decried conditions for Palestinians in Gaza in his Christmas sermon on Thursday, in an unusually direct appeal during what is normally a solemn, spiritual service on the day Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus.Leo, the first US pope, said the story of Jesus being born in a stable showed that God had “pitched his fragile tent” among the people of the world.“How, then, can we not think of the tents in Gaza, exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold?” he asked.Leo, celebrating his first Christmas after being elected in May by the world’s cardinals

During the mass in Rome, Leo said Christmas was a feast of 'faith, charity and hope' and criticized a 'distorted economy' that 'leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise'.

Pope Leo XIV celebrates Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter's, while Bethlehem marks a hopeful return to festive traditions amidst ongoing struggles.