He spoke of “the all-too-human thread that runs by way of historical past: the search for worldly energy and may, fame and glory, which measures all the pieces when it comes to success, outcomes, numbers and figures, a world obsessive about achievement”.
Francis stated that whereas many may discover it arduous to have fun Christmas in “this world that’s so judgmental and unforgiving”, they need to attempt to bear in mind what occurred on the primary Christmas.
“Tonight, love modifications historical past,” he stated.
Francis has made quite a few appeals for a ceasefire within the battle raging in Gaza and has referred to as for the discharge of all hostages held by Palestinian militant teams.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad, each sworn to Israel’s destruction, are nonetheless believed to be holding greater than 100 hostages from amongst 240 they captured throughout their Oct 7 rampage by way of Israeli cities, once they killed 1,200 individuals.
Since then, Israel has besieged the Gaza Strip and laid a lot of it to waste, with greater than 20,400 individuals confirmed killed, in response to Gaza’s Hamas-run authorities, and 1000’s extra believed lifeless beneath the rubble. The overwhelming majority of the two.3 million Gazans have been pushed from their houses and the United Nations says situations are catastrophic.
At midday (1100 GMT) on Monday, Francis will ship his Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” (to the town and the world) message and blessing.
