VATICAN CITY, Dec 25, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Pope Leo XIV is expected to renew his  calls for peace Thursday when he delivers his first Christmas blessing from  St Peter's Basilica at the end of a year overshadowed by conflict, but also  marked by hopes for peace in Gaza. In Bethlehem, the Christian community celebrated its first festive Christmas  in more than two years as the occupied West Bank city emerged from the shadow  of the war in Gaza. However, the Pope's call this week for a one-day global truce went unheeded  in Ukraine, where fighting continued, as the pontiff prepared to deliver his  "Urbi et Orbi" blessing at 12:00 (1100 GMT) -- during which popes usually  speak about conflicts around the world and urge peace. Before the address, the Pope celebrated his first Christmas Mass Wednesday  evening where he described the celebration as a feast of "faith, charity and  hope". He also spoke in front of St Peter's Basilica to offer Christmas wishes and  thank those who had come to follow the mass on outdoor screens despite rainy  weather. "St Peter's is very large but unfortunately it is not large enough to receive  all of you," he told the crowd of around 5,000 people. Leo will also hold another mass on Christmas Day, renewing a tradition from  the times of late pope John Paul II (1978-2005). - Celebration in Bethlehem - Hundreds of worshippers also gathered for mass at the Church of the Nativity  in Bethlehem Wednesday night as the Palestinian city ushered in its first  festive Christmas during the Gaza war. Throughout the conflict that began with Hamas's attack on Israel in October  2023, a sombre tone had marked Christmases in the biblical birthplace of  Jesus Christ. But celebrations returned Wednesday with parades and music in the West Bank  city, as a fragile truce held in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people  face winter in makeshift tents. With pews of the Church of the Nativity filled long before midnight, many  stood or sat on the floor for the traditional mass to usher in Christmas Day. At 11:15 pm (2115 GMT) organ music rang out as a procession of dozens of  clergymen entered, followed by Jerusalem's Latin Patriarch, Cardinal  Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who blessed the crowd with signs of the cross. In his homily, Pizzaballa urged peace, hope and rebirth, saying the Nativity  story still held relevance in the turbulence of modern times. He also spoke of his visit to Gaza over the weekend, where he said "suffering  is still present" despite the ceasefire.  "The wounds are deep, yet I have to say, here too, there too, their  proclamation of Christmas resounds," he said. "When I met them, I was struck  by their strength and desire to start over." - 'Desire of life' - Hundreds took part in the parade down Bethlehem's narrow Star Street on  Wednesday, while a dense crowd massed in the square. "Today is full of joy because we haven't been able to celebrate because of  the war," said Milagros Anstas, 17. Men dressed as Santa Claus sold toffee apples and toys as families took  photographs in front of a nativity scene framed by a giant star. As darkness fell, multi-coloured lights shone over Manger Square and a  towering Christmas tree glittered next to the Church of the Nativity. The basilica dates back to the fourth century and was built on top of a  grotto where Christians believe Jesus was born more than 2,000 years ago. Bethlehem residents hoped the return of Christmas festivities would breathe  life back into the city. "We need to get the message to the whole world and this is the only way,"  said George Hanna, from the neighbouring town of Beit Jala. In Syria, Christmas lights illuminated Damascus's Old City despite the  Christian community's fears of violence after a deadly attack in June. Around the district, home to several important churches, red baubles hung  from trees, shopkeepers put up Christmas decorations and street vendors  peddled warm chestnuts. "Syria deserves joy and for us to be happy, and to hope for a new future,"  said student Loris Aasaf, 20. - Sombre festivities - In stark contrast to the messages of religious leaders, US President Donald  Trump wished a Merry Christmas "to everyone, including the radical left-wing  scum", referring to Democrats. Severe weather disrupted the holiday season in California where authorities,  fearing dangerous flooding, have declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles  and ordered evacuations. In Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had a sombre message after the  deadly attack during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14. "After the terror inflicted on Jewish Australia celebrating Hanukkah and  Bondi Beach, we feel the weight of sorrow in our hearts."