Pope Leo XIV: Denying Aid to Poor is Rejecting God

Pope Leo XIV celebrated his inaugural Christmas Eve Mass on December 24, 2025, at the Basilica of St. Peter in Rome. Addressing the global Catholic community, the Pope delivered a homily centered on the themes of human dignity and social responsibility. He argued that the biblical narrative of Jesus being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn serves as a timeless reminder for Christians.

The pontiff asserted that refusing to help the poor and foreigners today is equivalent to rejecting God. He emphasized that God's presence is revealed in the dignity of every person, stating, "Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God." The Mass was attended by approximately 6,000 people inside the basilica, while another 5,000 gathered in St. Peter's Square under heavy rain to watch on large screens. This event marks a significant milestone for Leo XIV, the first Pope born in the United States, who was elected in May 2025 to succeed Pope Francis.

In his first Christmas Eve homily, Pope Leo XIV focused heavily on the social implications of the nativity. He explained that the story of Jesus' birth in a stable should compel Christians to reflect on how they treat the marginalized today. The Pope stated that refusing aid to the poor and foreigners is not merely a social failure but a spiritual rejection of the divine.

The core message of the pontiff was that the physical space required for a human being is intrinsically linked to the space for God. He articulated this connection with a clear theological assertion:

"Na Terra, não há lugar para Deus se não há lugar para a pessoa humana. Recusar um é recusar o outro" (On Earth, there is no place for God if there is no place for the human person. To refuse one is to refuse the other).

This message aligns with the central themes of his early pontificate, which have focused heavily on the care of immigrants and the poor.

The Pope extended his homily to critique contemporary economic structures. He warned against a "distorted economy" that leads society to treat human beings as mere merchandise. According to Leo XIV, the Christmas narrative reveals the infinite dignity of each person, standing in stark contrast to utilitarian views of humanity.

He also invoked the memory of his predecessors to strengthen his argument. Specifically, he quoted the late Pope Benedict XVI, lamenting the global failure to care for children, the poor, and foreigners. Furthermore, reports indicate that Pope Leo XIV has previously criticized the polarizing immigration policies of Donald Trump, the President of the United States, reinforcing his stance on migration.

Leo XIV used a powerful metaphor to illustrate the sanctity of humble circumstances versus institutional grandeur:

"Até mesmo um estábulo pode se tornar mais sagrado do que um templo" (Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple).

The celebration drew a significant crowd despite adverse weather conditions in Rome. Outside the basilica, approximately 5,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, braving heavy rain and holding umbrellas to participate in the vigil via large screens. The atmosphere was one of determination, with the faithful wearing raincoats and refusing to let the weather dampen their holiday spirit.

Before the start of the Mass, the 70-year-old Pope exited the basilica to greet the crowd personally. He expressed his admiration for their dedication, telling them: "Eu admiro, respeito e agradeço a vocês pela coragem e pela vontade de estar aqui esta noite" (I admire, respect, and thank you for the courage and the will to be here tonight). He added, "Mesmo com este tempo" (Even with this weather).

The event served as a display of the Pope's connection to the faithful as he leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics into his first Christmas Day.

The Christmas Eve Mass was the beginning of the holiday liturgical events for Pope Leo XIV. The schedule continues on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The Pope is scheduled to celebrate the Christmas Day Mass in the morning.

Following the Mass, he will deliver the traditional Christmas message and blessing known as "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and to the world). This blessing is a significant papal address delivered twice annually, offering a global perspective on world events and spiritual reflections. The faithful and observers worldwide await this address to hear the Pope's views on the current state of humanity.