Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Christmas Mass as pontiff, addressing thousands in St Peter's Square and delivering a homily emphasizing "faith, charity and hope" while criticizing a "distorted economy."

• Approximately 5,000 people gathered in front of St Peter's Basilica despite rainy weather.
• The 70-year-old US pope adopted a more discreet style compared to his predecessor Francis.
• Leo XIV will renew a tradition by holding another mass on Christmas Day and delivering the "Urbi et Orbi" blessing, having previously called for a global truce, expressing sadness over Russia's rejection of a request for one in Ukraine.