Pope Francis has called for peace in light of the ongoing war in the Middle East. At the Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Cathedral, the church leader recalled the Christmas message. The festival is “not a mixture of whimsical sentiments and worldly comforts.”
Pope Francis used the Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica as a reminder of peace. The leader of some 1.3 billion Catholics recalled the Christmas message of “peace on earth to men” during an evening Mass at the Vatican.
“Our hearts are this evening in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is prevented by the destructive logic of war, by the sound of weapons, from finding a home in the world even today,” Francis said in Battle with Blick. In the Middle East. This year's festival is particularly affected by the wars in the Gaza Strip and Ukraine.
“God will not save us at the push of a button”
The Pope personally led the Christmas Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. The 87-year-old was sitting for long periods of time due to knee problems. The Pope recalled the meaning of Christmas: “This is the miracle of Christmas: not a mixture of soft feelings and worldly comforts, but the incredible tenderness of God who becomes man and saves the world.”
Francis called on the faithful to reflect on the image of their God, especially during Christmas. “There is a danger that we celebrate Christmas with a pagan idea of God.” God is not a powerful ruler associated with worldly conquest and “consumer idolatry,” Francis said.
He is also not a God who only solves people's problems. “He doesn't use a magic wand, he's not an 'everything and instant' business god,” the Pope stressed. “He doesn't save us at the push of a button, but rather he approaches us to change reality from within.”
In a judgmental and unforgiving world, many feel feelings of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, Francis continued. But Jesus does not wait for successful achievements, but for an open and trusting heart.
A quiet Christmas in Bethlehem
The Vatican said about 7,000 worshipers attended St. Peter's Basilica. Also, thousands of people watched the events in St. Peter's Square in front of the church on big screens. On Monday, Pope Francis will deliver the Arbi et Arbi blessing to the city and the world from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica.
Christmas in the Holy Land will be very quiet this year due to the ongoing Gaza war between Israel and Islamist militant group Hamas. In Bethlehem on the West Bank – the birthplace of Jesus Christ according to tradition – there are, unlike usual, no tourists. No Christmas trees. Access to the city is highly restricted by Israeli military blockades. There are practically no Christmas decorations in Jerusalem.
. “Amateur alcohol specialist. Reader. Hardcore introvert. Freelance explorer.”