“Our ability to socialize is being put to the test; there is a growing tendency to close oneself off, to want to do everything alone; one foregoing going out, meeting and doing things together. At the international level there is danger that there is a lack of willingness to enter into dialogue, “said the Pope.
The pandemic leads to the choice of shortcuts instead of the longer paths of dialogue. “However, dialogue alone leads to conflict resolution and to advantages that benefit everyone and are permanent,” emphasized the pontiff, who also pointed out the many trouble spots around the world, including Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon.
Video: For the second time in a row, Pope Francis holds the Christmas mass in Rome under strict CoV conditions. ORF correspondent Cornelia Vospernik explains how the traditional Christmas blessing “Urbi et Orbi” will run.
“Let us remember the ongoing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, which drag on unresolved and have ever greater social and political consequences. Let us not forget Bethlehem, the place where Jesus saw the light of day. There you live because of the The pandemic caused difficult times for the economy because pilgrims are prevented from reaching the Holy Land and this has a negative impact on the lives of the population, “the pontiff told the faithful gathered under the rain in St. Peter’s Square. The number of pilgrims admitted to St. Peter’s Square has been limited to prevent overcrowding.
The Pope asked for consolation for the Afghan people, who have been severely tested for over 40 years by conflicts that have led many to leave the country, and called for prayers for Ukraine to “lessen the metastases.” simmering conflict not spread “.
The Pope prayed for the victims of the violence against women that is rampant during this time of the pandemic. “Give hope to the children and young people who suffer from bullying and abuse. Give comfort and affection to the elderly, especially those who are lonely. Give serenity and unity to families, the primary place of upbringing and the foundation of social fabric “said the pontiff.
As usual, the Pope donated the blessing “Urbi et orbi” (the city and the world) from the loggia of the Vatican basilica. The Christmas message and the blessing Urbi et orbi are a highlight of the Christian Christmas celebration. In the first year of the pandemic, he only did this in a greatly reduced form by means of a video address from the Benediction Hall in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Source: Nachrichten
