The first U.S. pontiff addressed followers from the loggia overlooking St. Peter's Square for the traditional papal "To the City and to the World' address.

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.