Pope Francis issued his annual Christmas message on Wednesday, calling for peace, reconciliation, and hope for all people around the world. The message was delivered during a Christmas blessing ceremony in St. Peter’s Square, attended by thousands of faithful.
Francis emphasized the importance of forgiveness, particularly for debt burdened countries. He also addressed ongoing military conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, urging cease-fires and dialogue to achieve lasting peace. The Pope expressed concern for Christians in Gaza, where humanitarian conditions are dire, and called for aid deliveries and a ceasefire.
The message coincides with the start of the Roman Catholic Church’s Jubilee Year, a quarter-century event that promotes reconciliation and hope. Francis urged individuals to let go of consumerism and individualism, instead embracing dialogue and compassion.
As the Pope began his remarks, he was visibly frail, using a wheelchair for support due to his advancing age. Despite health concerns, including recent hospitalizations, Francis’s message remains strong and hopeful. His annual Christmas blessing is delivered twice a year, and this year’s ceremony marked the beginning of a significant year ahead for the Pontiff, with numerous events scheduled.
The Pope’s call for peace, hope, and reconciliation resonated deeply with the crowd, who cheered loudly as he spoke from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. As Francis concluded his message, the tens of thousands in attendance were left with a sense of urgency to work towards creating a more peaceful world.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/25/world/europe/pope-francis-christmas-jubilee-peace.html