Status: December 25, 2021 1:03 p.m.
In his Christmas message, Pope Francis appealed not to look the other way when faced with the conflicts of this world. He called for an end to war and domestic violence and warned – also with a view to the pandemic – to be ready for dialogue.
In his Christmas message to the faithful, Pope Francis criticized looking the other way and called for an end to war and domestic violence. All over the world there are still many conflicts, crises and contradictions, said the head of the Catholic Church in Rome. “They never seem to end and we hardly notice them anymore,” said the 85-year-old. “We have become so used to the fact that immeasurable tragedies are passed over in silence. We risk not hearing the cry of pain and despair of many of our brothers and sisters.”
He also called for greater readiness for dialogue. In the pandemic, the ability to social relationships will be put to the test. “There is a growing tendency to close oneself off and want to do everything alone” – also at the international level. But only dialogue leads to conflict resolution and lasting advantages for everyone.
Ask for consolation for people in crisis areas
Looking at the conflicts in the world, Francis highlighted the people of Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. These countries would find no peace and no rest, he said from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to the hundreds of people in the rainy St. Peter’s Square. The Pope also recalled the “ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, which drag on unresolved and have ever greater social and political consequences.”
He also asked for consolation for the Afghan people and help for the people of Myanmar. Intolerance and violence often also affect the Christian community there. Francis also recalled the situation in Ukraine, Ethiopia and the Sahel. He also asked for the alleviation of the suffering of the people who suffered from the internal conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, and also referred to North Africa and the rampant unemployment and economic inequality there.
On the subject of migrants and refugees, Francis appealed not to look the other way. He repeatedly criticizes the way they are dealt with. At the beginning of December he therefore visited the island of Lesbos in Greece, which is symbolic of the refugee crisis. It was the first place that Francis visited twice in his pontificate.
Pray for those who suffer violence and abuse
In addition to refugees, the Pope also highlighted the suffering of women who were increasingly victims of violence during this time of the pandemic. He also prayed for abused children and the elderly who are lonely. “Give hope to children and young people who are bullying and abused. Give comfort and affection to the elderly.” The speech concluded with the memory of the “common house” and the necessary protection for the climate and the environment.
Afterwards, Francis donated the traditional blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (The city and the world). With this, the Pope exempts believers from penalties for their sins.