Vatican City, December 25 – Pope Leo XIV. celebrated his first Christmas Midnight Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, delivering a powerful message of humanity and peace. In his sermon, the head of the Catholic Church emphasized that Christmas is a festival of hope, transforming people into messengers of peace. He also criticized economic systems that reduce individuals to mere commodities.
Pope Leo XIV.’s Inaugural Midnight Mass
The Midnight Mass, a cornerstone of Christmas celebrations, marked a significant moment for Pope Leo XIV. as he led the faithful in his first such service. His address resonated with themes of compassion and global harmony, urging attendees and the wider world to embrace the spirit of brotherhood.
A Call for Humanity and Peace
During his homily, Pope Leo XIV. passionately spoke about the transformative power of Christmas. He stated, “Christmas is a festival of hope that makes people messengers of peace.” This message underscored the importance of empathy and mutual understanding in a world often plagued by conflict and division.
He further elaborated on the role of individuals in fostering peace, suggesting that the festive season should inspire a renewed commitment to humanitarian values. The Pope’s words were a direct appeal for a more compassionate society, where the dignity of every person is recognized and upheld.
Critique of Economic Systems
A notable part of the Pope’s address was his critique of contemporary economic practices. He specifically condemned systems that, in his view, treat human beings as mere commodities. This criticism highlights a recurring theme in papal teachings, emphasizing social justice and the ethical implications of economic policies.
“The economy that views people as pure commodities,” the Pope stated, “is contrary to the true spirit of humanity and the teachings of Christ.” This strong stance reflects a concern for the vulnerable and marginalized, advocating for an economy that serves people rather than exploits them.
The “Urbi et Orbi” Blessing
Today at noon, Pope Leo XIV. will deliver the traditional “Urbi et Orbi” (To the City and the World) blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Tens of thousands of faithful are expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square to receive this special blessing, which is typically accompanied by a message addressing global issues and offering prayers for peace and reconciliation.
The “Urbi et Orbi” blessing is a significant event in the Catholic calendar, drawing a global audience and serving as a moment of spiritual reflection and unity. It is anticipated that the Pope will reiterate his calls for peace and justice, building upon the themes introduced during his Midnight Mass.
Other News from December 25, 2025
Municipal Association Calls for Fund Against Loneliness
The German Association of Cities and Municipalities has called for increased funding to combat loneliness. Managing Director André Berghegger told Funke media that loneliness is no longer just an issue for the elderly but has become a cross-generational phenomenon. He advocated for accessible community spaces like libraries and adult education centers, proposing a 500 million Euro fund, potentially sourced from the EU and federal budget, to support these initiatives.
Economist Fratzscher Advocates for Employee Autonomy in Working Hours
Economist Marcel Fratzscher, President of the German Institute for Economic Research, has spoken out against longer working hours. Instead, he suggests that employees should have more autonomy in deciding their working hours. Fratzscher stated to MDR that numerous studies support the idea that employees are more productive when given greater responsibility. This contrasts with Federal Minister of Economics Katherina Reiche’s recent plea for extended working hours to boost the economy.
Over a Million Additional Epstein Documents Discovered
US authorities have reportedly discovered over a million additional documents related to the deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that these records were found by the FBI and the New York Attorney’s Office. The release of these documents is under review and could take several weeks. The sudden appearance of such a large volume of new papers remains unclear, especially as all Epstein files were supposed to have been released by December 19. Opposition Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of a cover-up.
Voßkuhle Supports Mandatory Real Names Online
Andreas Voßkuhle, former President of the Federal Constitutional Court, has advocated for mandatory real names on the internet to curb hate speech and incitement. He told “Tagesspiegel” that society cannot endure such degradation indefinitely. Voßkuhle believes that a real-name obligation is constitutional and easily implementable, while stressing the importance of allowing criticism of the government without fear of sanctions.
Source: [mdr.de](https://www.mdr.de/nachrichten/nachrichten100.html), [vaticannews.va](https://www.vaticannews.va/de/papst/news/2025-12/papst-leo-xiv-beschliesst-jubilaeum-audienzen-appell-armen.html), [vaticannews.va](https://www.vaticannews.va/de/papst/news/2025-12/papst-leo-xiv-jubilaeumsaudienz-ansprache-wortlaut-deutsch.html)
