Pope Francis urges dialogue for peace in the traditional Urbi et Orbi message, recalling the conflicts that devastate the world. Meanwhile, Cardinal Krajewski brings comfort to Ukraine, while Patriarch Pizzaballa celebrates Christmas as an antidote to the rhetoric of war. From the solidarity of Sant'Egidio to the new alliance between science and faith, Vatican Christmas is colored with hope and brotherhood (source Vatican News).
The Pope: “Let the weapons be silent and dialogue for peace open”
In the traditional Urbi et Orbi message, pronounced from the central lodge of St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Francis renewed the appeal for peace, inviting the courage to overcome divisions and silence the weapons. A strong reminder aimed at those responsible for the conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, Africa, Myanmar and Cyprus. “Only the audacity of dialogue can open paths of reconciliation and justice,” declared the Pontiff, underlining the importance of not losing hope in a better future.
Krajewski in Ukraine: the Pope's closeness to the tormented people
The visit of Cardinal Konrad Krajewski to Ukraine continues, a symbol of the presence of the Church alongside those who suffer. Among the rubble and daily difficulties, the Apostolic Almoner brings the Pope's material and spiritual support, bearing witness to a Church that does not forget those overwhelmed by war.
Bethlehem: the joy of Christmas against war
During the Christmas Eve Mass in Bethlehem, Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa invited the faithful to be “pilgrims of hope” even in the most difficult situations. Christmas, he said, is the moment in which the message of peace and love of the Gospel empties the rhetoric of war and the powerful, offering an alternative of reconciliation and brotherhood.
Christmas in Iraq: igniting hope among Christians and Muslims
Cardinal Louis Raphaël Sako, Patriarch of Baghdad of the Chaldeans, appealed to the Iraqi faithful, Christians and Muslims, to keep the flame of hope alive. “We are called to live as brothers, supporting each other in building a society of peace and justice,” he underlined, reiterating the importance of interreligious coexistence.
Sant'Egidio: a lunch that unites the world
The Community of Sant'Egidio celebrated Christmas with lunches organized for over 250 thousand people in difficulty, including the homeless, lonely elderly people and vulnerable families. Initiatives like these, which involved 80 thousand people in Italy alone, are a concrete sign of the message of love and solidarity that Christmas brings with it.
Science and faith for creation: “The good alliance”
Among the Vatican's projects, the volume “The Good Alliance” stands out, a dialogue between a scientist and a theologian that highlights the urgency of protecting creation. Published by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, the book reaffirms the Church's commitment to safeguarding our common home.
Podcasts and meditations: the word of Christmas reaches everywhere
Through a rich offering of podcasts, the Vatican continues to offer inspiring content: from the story of the Jubilees to the teachings of the Popes, from meditations on the Holy Land to stories of resilience and hope. A way to reach the Christmas message even to those who are far away.
This Christmas, the Vatican presents itself as a beacon of hope in a world torn by conflict and division. From the Pope's calls for peace to the concrete solidarity of Sant'Egidio, the message that emerges is only one: only love and brotherhood can change the destiny of humanity.
