On Christmas Day, Pope Francis addressed the crowds gathered in Saint Peter’s Square from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica. He offered his traditional good wishes and delivered a message of hope, followed by his solemn “Urbi et Orbi” blessing, to the city and the world.
“My heart grieves for the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage,” the 86-year-old said in his traditional Urbi et Orbi message.
The Pope reflected on the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem, a place currently marked by “sorrow and silence.” Despite this, he emphasized that the birth of the Saviour and the angel’s proclamation, “To you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,” instill great hope. He reminded us that “the Lord has been born for us…the eternal Word of the Father, the infinite God, has made His home among us.”
A Message of Joy and Love
Pope Francis introduced his message by saying that the “good news of great joy” we celebrate is the “sure promise of an unprecedented gift: the hope of being born for heaven.” He stressed that the Lord’s birth reveals God’s tender love and that Jesus “gives us ‘power to become children of God.’”
He spoke of the joy that consoles hearts, renews hope, and bestows peace. This joy, he said, is born of being God’s beloved sons and daughters.
Light Overcoming Darkness
Despite the “deep shadows” covering Bethlehem today, the Pope underscored that “an undying flame has been lighted” as God’s light has overcome the darkness. He encouraged those who have abandoned all hope, assuring them that God offers His outstretched hand, not to point a finger, but to set them free from their fears and burdens.
Remembering the Innocents
The Pope recalled the slaughter of the innocents following the birth of the Saviour. He remembered the innocents of today, the “little Jesuses” who are victims “in their mothers’ wombs, in odysseys undertaken in desperation and in search of hope, in the lives of all those little ones whose childhood has been devastated by war.”
A Call for Peace
Pope Francis called for a “yes” to peace and a “no” to war, describing every war as “a defeat without victors, an inexcusable folly.” He also called for a “no” to weaponry, observing that peace is even more difficult “when arms production, sales, and trade are on the rise” and public funds spent on arms can come at the expense of bread for the hungry. He decried “the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war” and prayed for “every effort” for the day when “nation shall not lift up sword against nation.”
Prayers for the Holy Land
The Pope prayed for an end to the war devastating the lives of people in Israel and Palestine. He offered his consolation to the people of Gaza and the entire region, particularly the Christian communities. He expressed his grief for the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October and repeated his urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage.
“My heart grieves for the victims of the abominable attack of 7 October, and I reiterate my urgent appeal for the liberation of those still being held hostage,” the 86-year-old said in his traditional Urbi et Orbi message.
He pleaded for “an end to the military operations with their appalling harvest of innocent civilian victims” and called for “a solution to the desperate humanitarian situation by an opening to the provision of humanitarian aid” in Gaza. He expressed hopes that sincere and “persevering dialogue” with strong political will and international support can lead to resolving the “Palestinian question.”
A Plea for Global Peace
Pope Francis named other nations struggling to arrive at peace and stability, mentioning war-torn Syria, Yemen, and struggling Lebanon. He assured all the people of his prayers for their well-being and implored peace for our world.
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