Pope Francis wishes everyone a “calm and blessed Christmas” and celebrates the joy of this day, which celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus, “a mystery that never ceases to amaze and move us.” He reminds us that “the door of God’s heart is always open” and that we can be “reconciled to God” and each other for a world of peace and harmony. I’m emphasizing.
Written by Thaddeus Jones
At noon on Christmas morning, Pope Francis delivered his traditional Christmas greetings and message live from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica to a crowd in the square and to people around the world via media. Finally, he offered the blessing “Urbi e Orbi” to the city and the world, similar to Easter Sunday.
When the Pope opened the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica at the start of the evening Christmas Mass yesterday, the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025 became the theme of this year’s Christmas message and context.
God’s heart is always open to us
At the beginning of his Christmas message, the Pope said that the joy we celebrate today comes from an event that happened 2,000 years ago, the birth of the Lord Jesus, the word of eternal salvation, and that “thanks to the Holy Spirit, we have a renewed gratitude.” He explained that this is still the case. Let me say this to all men and women today: Please come back, the door of my heart is open! ”
He emphasized that “the door of God’s heart is always open” and called on us to return to a heart that “loves and forgives us” and reconciles us to God.
Pope Francis gives “Urbi e Orbi” Christmas blessing
The Holy Door of Salvation Open to All
Recalling the Holy Door, which was opened yesterday evening in St. Peter’s Basilica to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025, the Pope said that this door “represents Jesus, the door of salvation open to all.” He explained that it represents the Good Shepherd with open arms waiting for us.
Courage to cross the threshold
The Pope acknowledged that it takes courage to cross the threshold of that door, because we have to sacrifice old ways and ways of thinking, leave behind strife and division and surrender to God’s love. .
May the weapons be silenced
Focusing on the challenges facing the world, the Pope prayed for the silence of arms in war-torn Ukraine and called for strength and tolerance for negotiations and dialogue towards a just and lasting peace. Ta.
He remembered the cribs of Bethlehem and the Christian communities of Israel and Palestine and prayed for an end to wars in the Middle East. He especially prayed for Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is dire, “for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and aid for the starving and war-weary people.”
Pope Francis also expressed closeness to the Christian communities of Lebanon and Syria in transition. He prayed that “the doors of dialogue and peace will be opened throughout the conflict-torn region.” He also encouraged the Libyan people in their efforts towards national reconciliation.
humanitarian aid for suffering
The Pope prayed that the birth of our Savior, which we celebrate today, could give hope to the thousands of children suffering from measles outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Mozambique. . He said this humanitarian crisis is primarily due to human causes, such as the scourge of armed conflict and terrorism, and is exacerbated by climate change, displacing millions and putting many at risk of death. He pointed out that he was exposed.
Pope Francis giving a Christmas blessing in the central loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica
The Pope paid tribute to the people of the Horn of Africa and offered them and Sudanese civilians “a gift of peace, harmony and fraternity, so that desperately needed humanitarian aid can reach them and a new ceasefire could be negotiated.” I prayed that he would be given the following. place.
Prayer for dialogue and social harmony
The Pope prayed that Christmas would bring comfort to the people of Myanmar, where the ongoing conflict has caused great suffering and displaced many people.
Recalling the Americas, the Pope encouraged political authorities and people of goodwill to work together to overcome divisions with justice and truth and to promote social harmony and the common good to which peoples aspire. He mentioned Haiti, Venezuela, Colombia and Nicaragua.
The Pope said that after 50 years of partition, the people of Cyprus are praying that the walls of division will fall and that a mutually agreed solution will be found with full respect for the rights and dignity of all communities. I was reminded.
jesus is waiting for us
The Pope spoke of how Jesus waits at the door for “particularly the most vulnerable”, such as children suffering from war and famine, and the elderly, who are often abandoned and forced to live alone. emphasized. He describes how the Lord waits for those who have lost their homes, those who have fled their hometowns in search of safety, those who have lost and cannot find their jobs, those who are in prison, and those who endure persecution for their faith. I explained how it works.
Pope Francis waving to the crowd in St. Peter’s Square
feeling of gratitude to everyone
The pope praised those who dedicate themselves to service, good deeds and helping others, remembering parents, educators and teachers who “have the great responsibility of shaping future generations.” He thanked medical workers, military personnel, military personnel, charities and especially missionaries around the world, saying “they bring light and comfort to many people facing hardship.”
please forgive our debt
Finally, the Pope prayed that this Jubilee would be an opportunity for debt forgiveness, especially for the poorest countries. The Pope said that just as “the Son of God, born in the cold and darkness of the night, has forgiven us,” and as the Lord “healed us and forgave us,” so I They all recalled being called to forgive others.
