Pope Leo XIV condemned the “futility of wars” and the “open wounds” they leave behind, expressing his solidarity with the people of the Gaza Strip in his first Christmas message and homily, delivered Thursday before thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.

In his sermon, the Pope said, “How can we not think of the tents in Gaza, which for weeks have been battered by rain, wind, and cold,” referring to the harsh humanitarian conditions endured by the residents of the enclave, most of whom have been displaced during a nearly two-year-long war that has caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis. He added in his Christmas message that there are “those who no longer have anything and have lost everything, like the people of Gaza,” also mentioning “those who suffer from hunger and poverty, like the people of Yemen.”

According to the United Nations, around 1.3 million people in Gaza currently need shelter assistance, amid warnings about the impact of plummeting temperatures.

In his message “To the City of Rome and the World,” the Pope addressed the world’s most pressing conflicts, calling especially for prayers for Ukraine. He said, “Let the noise of weapons fall silent, and may the parties involved, with the support of the international community, find the courage for honest and direct dialogue.” This comes as Moscow and Kyiv have been engaged in indirect negotiations for weeks, seeking a peace agreement under U.S. mediation.

The Pope also prayed for “those suffering from injustice, political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism,” particularly in Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He reminded the world of the plight of refugees who “fled their homelands in search of a better future,” whether across the Mediterranean Sea or in the Americas. He also called for the restoration of the “ancient friendship” between Thailand and Cambodia, as talks begin to end deadly border clashes between the two countries.