In a powerful conclusion to the 2025 Jubilee Year, Pope Leo XIV used his Christmas Midnight Mass homily to issue a searing critique of a "distorted economy" that treats people as merchandise.
"There is no room for God if there is no room for the human person," the Pope declared to the thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Amidst the solemn liturgy of the Nativity, he reminded the world that the "great light" of Bethlehem shines brightest when we protect the poor, the stranger, and the defenseless.
The Mass, unique for its transition from Jubilee celebration to global mission, called on the faithful to find God not in the heights of power, but by "bending low" to serve those marginalized by modern society.
The "Stable" vs. The Market
The Pope’s homily centered on a stark theological premise: the rejection of the human person is a rejection of God Himself.
"While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person," Pope Leo XIV stated.
He cautioned that when humanity seeks to become "god" through domination and profit, it only creates new forms of slavery.
In a poignant moment of the liturgy, where the splendor of the Basilica met the humility of the manger, the Pope noted that "even a stable can become more sacred than a temple" when it provides a home for the human person.
A Mandate for the Poor
Citing the late Pope Benedict XVI, Leo XIV reminded the global audience that the "clear sign" of God is not found in wealth or eloquence, but in a defenseless child.
"In the face of the suffering of the poor, He sends one who is defenseless to be the strength to rise again," the Pope proclaimed.
He urged the Church to move from the "gift" of the Jubilee into a "mission" of active charity, specifically mentioning children, the stranger, and those marginalized by modern society.
The Mass concluded with the bells of St. Peter’s ringing out the Gloria, a liturgical "dawn" meant to inspire the faithful to challenge the darkness of economic oppression with the "gentle light" of salvation.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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