Pope Leo expected to call for peace during first Christmas blessingVATICAN CITY, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Pope Leo XIV is expected to renew hiscalls for peace Thursday when he delivers his first Christmas blessing fromSt Peter's Basilica at the end of a year overshadowed by conflict, but alsomarked by hopes for peace in Gaza. Before the address, the Pope celebrated his first Christmas Mass Wednesdayevening where he described the celebration as a feast of "faith, charity andhope". He also spoke in front of St Peter's Basilica to offer Christmas wishes andthank those who had come to follow the mass on outdoor screens despite rainyweather. Leo will also hold another mass on Christmas Day, renewing a tradition fromthe times of late pope John Paul II (1978-2005). In Syria, Christmas lights illuminated Damascus's Old City despite theChristian community's fears of violence after a deadly attack in June.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha December 25, 2025 14:51 UTC