...
By Peter Aitken and Jason Lemon
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Pope Leo XIV drew a comparison between Jesus and the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, the people of Yemen, immigrants and refugees in his Christmas Day message from the Vatican on Thursday.
Newsweek reached out to the White House outside normal business hours on Thursday for comment.
Why It Matters
The Catholic Church has been especially outspoken on President Donald Trump's administration and its immigration enforcement policies, describing them as a significant moral and humanitarian concern.
Read More on World
Two churches even installed immigration-themed Nativity scenes: One in Evanston, Illinois, in which the baby Jesus was depicted in zip ties; and another in Dedham, Massachusetts, in which the manger was left empty but for a sign that read "ICE Was Here."
Leo also directly commented on Trump's relationship with Europe in light of the proposed peace deal for Ukraine, saying that he saw "a huge change in ... a true alliance between Europe and the United States," noting that Trump "is the president of the United States, and he has a right" to pursue policies and peace deals he deems appropriate.
...
What To Know
The pope made his first Christmas address since ascending to the papacy in May following the death of Pope Francis. He became the first pontiff from the United States, which some saw as a direct response to Trump's reelection.
Leo underscored a need for dialogue in seeking peace, saying: “There will be peace when our monologues are interrupted and, enriched by listening, we fall to our knees before the humanity of the other."
The focus on the "humanity of the other" remained a consistent theme in his homily, particularly when he drew a direct comparison between Jesus Christ and the various groups of suffering people around the world.
“In becoming man, Jesus took upon himself our fragility, identifying with each one of us: with those who have nothing left and have lost everything, like the inhabitants of Gaza; with those who are prey to hunger and poverty, like the Yemeni people; with those who are fleeing their homeland to seek a future elsewhere, like the many refugees and migrants who cross the Mediterranean or traverse the American continent,’' the pontiff said.
He also addressed the "numerous challenges" in Latin America, reconciliation in Myanmar and restoration of "the ancient friendship between Thailand and Cambodia," the latter of which Trump helped broker.
The president has repeatedly voiced his desire for the U.S. to play a significant role in brokering peace deals around the world, having helped mediate over half a dozen such deals since returning to office: However, the Cambodia-Thailand deal collapsed this month, and Trump has yet to arrange a deal between Russia and Ukraine, which he had repeatedly said would be an easy matter once he returned to office.
But the president helped finally end Israel's operations in Gaza, marking the most significant step toward peace in the region since he first brokered the Abraham Accords at the end of his first administration.
What People Are Saying
Trump, in his Christmas message posted to Truth Social: "Merry Christmas to all, including the Radical Left Scum that is doing everything possible to destroy our Country, but are failing badly. We no longer have Open Borders, Men in Women’s Sports, Transgender for Everyone, or Weak Law Enforcement. What we do have is a Record Stock Market and 401K’s, Lowest Crime numbers in decades, No Inflation, and yesterday, a 4.3 GDP, two points better than expected. Tariffs have given us Trillions of Dollars in Growth and Prosperity, and the strongest National Security we have ever had. We are respected again, perhaps like never before. God Bless America!!! President DJT"
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, on X: "My warmest wishes to everyone celebrating Christmas. This season offers and opportunity for reflection and compassion. All of us can bring more empathy and solidarity into our communities and around the world."
U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, on X: "As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the incredible year this has been, I send my heartfelt wishes for a joyful Christmas holiday. God bless Greece, the United States, and the people of our two great nations."
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 12/25/25, 12 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines