By Juliana Uzoka

Pope Leo XIV has said that the mystery of Christmas finds concrete expression in the life and martyrdom of Saint Stephen, whose forgiveness reveals a force “more real than weapons” and rooted in the dignity of every child of God.

The Pope made this known on Saturday while addressing pilgrims gathered in Saint Peter’s Square for the Angelus on the feast traditionally regarded as Saint Stephen’s “birthday.” He recalled the ancient Christian conviction that “we are not born just once,” explaining that, through the eyes of faith, even death no longer appears as darkness. Describing martyrdom as “a birth into heaven,” he said it is a path illuminated by love rather than overshadowed by fear.

Reflecting on the account in the Acts of the Apostles, Pope Leo XIV drew attention to the image of Saint Stephen standing before the council, whose face appeared “like the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15). He explained that this image represents a person who does not pass through history indifferently, but responds to it with love.

The Pope said Stephen’s life and death reflect the divine love revealed in Jesus, “the Light that shines in our darkness.” From the mystery of Christ’s birth to the witness of martyrdom, he noted, runs a single call for humanity to live as children of God — a call embraced with humility by Mary, Joseph and the shepherds.

At the same time, he observed that such beauty often meets resistance, noting that lives shaped by truth and goodness can provoke opposition from those who seek power and are unsettled by a goodness that exposes injustice and reveals what lies in the human heart.

Pope Leo XIV stressed that no power can overcome God’s work, noting that even today many people choose justice despite its cost, place peace above fear, and serve the poor rather than themselves. He said such choices give rise to hope and make it possible to celebrate Christmas even in the midst of suffering.

Acknowledging the harsh realities of the present time, the Pope said that in a world marked by suffering and uncertainty, joy can often seem out of reach. He observed that those who believe in peace and follow the “unarmed path of Jesus and the martyrs” are frequently misunderstood, marginalised or even accused of siding with adversaries. Yet, he stressed, Christians have no enemies but brothers and sisters, whose dignity must be upheld even when mutual understanding breaks down.

Bringing his address to a close, Pope Leo XIV entrusted the faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary, “blessed among all women who give life and counter arrogance with care, and distrust with faith.” Inviting all to contemplate her example, he prayed that she might lead the world into her own joy — “a joy that dissolves all fear and all threats, just as snow melts before the sun.”

He also renewed his heartfelt wishes for peace and serenity in the light of Christ’s birth and, recalling Saint Stephen, the Church’s first martyr, asked for his intercession in strengthening the faith and supporting communities that suffer for their Christian witness. The Pope prayed that Stephen’s example of humility, courage and forgiveness would guide all who work for dialogue, reconciliation and peace, especially in situations of conflict.

Source: Vatican News