25.12.2025 07:11
Due to the Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ in Christianity, Pope Leo XIII, the head of the Vatican State and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, presided over the Christmas mass for the first time. In his speech, Pope Leo XIII criticized materialism, stating that a distorted economy views people as mere commodities.
Cardinals, bishops, priests from the Catholic Church, and numerous invited guests attended the Christmas mass at the famous St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican.
After the previous Pope Francis passed away on April 21, Pope Leo XIII, who was elected as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church in the papal election (Conclave) on May 8, led a Christmas mass for the first time.
CRITICISM OF MATERIALISM
Pope Leo XIII, in his speech here, criticized materialism, stating that a distorted economy views people as commodities. Meanwhile, the Pope greeted the believers who gathered in the square in front of the basilica, which bears the same name, and celebrated their Christmas.
THE MASS LASTED LONGER
It was observed that Pope Leo XIII started the Christmas mass relatively later, coinciding with midnight, unlike his predecessor Pope Francis, and conducted it for a longer duration, with media reports interpreting this as a return to old traditions.
The Pope will also deliver his traditional "Urbi et Orbi" (To the City and the World) address tomorrow, providing messages regarding global issues following the Christmas mass.