Photo: Reuters.
Pope Francis called for efforts on Sunday to “accelerate the political and social tensions affecting the various countries of the American continent,” in the Christmas message delivered from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica before blessing Orbe and Otby.
He called on the Child Jesus to “inspire the political authorities and all people of good will on the American continent, to seek to calm the political and social tensions affecting various countries; and I think especially of the Haitian people who have been suffering for so long.”
And before tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square, he made a special reminder of the “long-suffering Haitian people.”
He also called for “to overcome the lethargy of spiritual sleep and the false images of the party that make us forget who is being honored. Let us get out of the bustle that numbs the heart and leads us to prepare decorations and gifts instead of thinking about the event.” : the Son of God who was born for us.”
He lamented that “the same negative feelings that prevented King Herod and his court from acknowledging and welcoming the birth of Jesus: attachment to power and money, pride, hypocrisy, lies” are now also present.
“Indeed, we must note with pain that at the same time that the Prince of Peace is being handed over to us, the cruel winds of war continue to blow upon humanity,” he added.
He referred to the “crazy” war in Ukraine, recalled the conflicts in Yemen, Syria and the Middle East, famine in Afghanistan and the countries of the Horn of Africa.
(with information from EFE)
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