The pope’s speech will be broadcast live to the entire world, as it is every year
Thousands of people are expected in St Peter’s Square in Rome today to see Pope Francis deliver his Christmas message, which is expected to feature war-torn Ukraine.
The head of the Catholic Church will address the faithful from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, from where he traditionally addresses the conflicts raging in the world, before giving the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (“to the city and to the world”). .
During the address, which will be broadcast live around the world, the pope is expected to dwell on the conflict in Ukraine, as this year marks the first Christmas since Moscow invaded the country in February.
While the Jesuit Argentine pope has made constant appeals for peace, he has also attempted to maintain a sensitive dialogue with Moscow, which has cost him criticism for not taking a more clear stand against the policies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Yesterday, Saturday night, about 7,000 people, according to the Vatican, attended the traditional Christmas Eve service officiated by the pope in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The 86-year-old head of the Catholic Church, who still suffers from knee pain, prayed for “children consumed by wars, poverty and injustice”.
Against “consumerism”, the pontiff called on people to “leave the heat of worldly life” and “rediscover the meaning of Christmas”, calling for a philanthropic Church at the service of the poor.
“We are very inspired to be here with all these people, we are happy and moved to see the pope, even though we are outside, and to feel this link between us,” Victoria Machado, 19, told AFP. who came from Mexico with her family.
Like her, about 4,000 people, unable to find tickets, watched the service on giant screens set up outside the basilica.
“The pope is a very humble man, I believe he is able to bring a message of peace and try to unite people and calm tensions,” said Julie, 50, a business manager in Nice, France.
Polish Cardinal Konrad Krajewski traveled to Ukraine to spend Christmas with war-torn populations.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
