Amanze Chinonye
Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday night highlighted the universality of the Catholic Church and the dignity of the human person as he celebrated his first Christmas Vigil Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, a solemn liturgy that featured a prayer of the faithful recited in Igbo and the participation of an Igbo Catholic couple in the offertory procession, Prime Business Africa reports.
The Mass, attended by about 6,000 worshippers inside the basilica and broadcast to millions worldwide, saw an Igbo couple carry the gifts of bread and wine to the altar during the Eucharistic Procession a symbolic gesture that resonated strongly with Nigerian Catholics and the global Igbo diaspora.
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In his Christmas Eve homily, Pope Leo XIV the first pontiff from the United States reflected on the Nativity story, warning that turning away the poor and strangers today is akin to rejecting God himself. Drawing from the Gospel account of Jesus being born in a stable because there was no room at the inn, the Pope said the message of Christmas is inseparable from compassion and hospitality.
“On earth, there is no room for God if there is no room for the human person. To refuse one is to refuse the other,” the Pope said during the solemn service.
Leo, who was elected in May to succeed the late Pope Francis, has made care for immigrants and the poor a defining theme of his early papacy. He said Jesus’ birth reveals God’s presence in every human being, regardless of status or origin, as he led the world’s estimated 1.4 billion Catholics into the Christmas celebration.
Quoting the late Pope Benedict XVI, Leo lamented a world increasingly indifferent to the suffering of children, the poor and foreigners. “While a distorted economy leads us to treat human beings as mere merchandise, God becomes like us, revealing the infinite dignity of every person,” he said.
“Where there is room for the human person, there is room for God. Even a stable can become more sacred than a temple.”
The inclusion of an Igbo-language prayer during the liturgy was widely welcomed by Nigerian Catholics, particularly those of Igbo heritage, who described it as a powerful recognition of their faith and contribution to the global Church.
The Vatican Press Office said the Igbo prayer segment was coordinated in advance with liturgical planners and representatives of the Nigerian Catholic hierarchy, in line with efforts to reflect the Church’s cultural diversity in major papal celebrations.
Outside the basilica, about 5,000 people braved heavy rain, watching the Mass on large screens in St. Peter’s Square, many holding umbrellas and wearing ponchos as the service unfolded.
For many worshippers, the Christmas Vigil Mass was both a spiritual celebration and a statement of unity, blending cultural inclusion with a clear moral message. As Pope Leo XIV marked his first Christmas as pontiff, his words and gestures reinforced a call for openness, solidarity and recognition of human dignity at a time of deep global humanitarian challenges.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
