Pope Francis delivered a Christmas message, calling for peace in a world torn by conflict, as the 2025 Holy Year celebration began. The pontiff spoke from St. Peter’s Basilica to thousands of people gathered below, urging negotiations between Ukraine and Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The Pope also renewed his call for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war, describing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as “extremely grave.” He encouraged people worldwide to tear down walls of separation and remember those suffering from war, hunger, and persecution.
Meanwhile, pilgrims lined up early to walk through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica, marking the start of the 2025 Jubilee Year. The tradition allows individuals to obtain indulgences for sins during a Jubilee, a once-every-quarter-century event.
Germany, where Christmas celebrations were marred by a deadly car attack on a market, marked the holiday with somberness. The Pope’s message came as Hanukkah and Christmas coincide for the fourth time since 1900, inspiring interfaith gatherings to promote unity and understanding.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/christmas-2024-pope-francis-vatican-holy-year