Pope's Christmas Eve Mass... "Let Us Remember Those Weary of War and the Poor"
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] Pope Francis urged the world on Christmas Eve, the 24th (local time), to remember those weary from war and the poor.
In his homily during the Christmas Eve Mass held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope lamented, "People overflowing with greed and lust for power even want to consume their neighbors," delivering this message.
Unlike in 2020 and last year, when attendance was limited due to the spread of COVID-19, about 7,000 faithful filled St. Peter's Basilica for this year's Christmas Eve Mass, and approximately 4,000 believers joined the Mass outdoors via screens in St. Peter's Square.
Pope Francis expressed sorrow, saying, "Those obsessed with wealth and power consume even their neighbors and brothers and sisters. How many wars have we witnessed? And even today, in how many places are human dignity and freedom treated with contempt?"
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February, the Pope has mentioned the Ukraine situation at nearly every public appearance, condemning the cruelty of war and Russia's unjustified aggression; however, he did not directly mention Ukraine during this Christmas Eve Mass.
The Pope called for attention to the vulnerable and encouraged people not to lose heart but to be courageous.
He criticized, "As always, the main victims of this greed are the weak and vulnerable," calling it "a world starving for money, power, and pleasure."
He continued, "Let us not be ruled by fear, resignation, or despair," recalling that Jesus was born in a manger, and said, "Jesus was poor. So let us not hunger for power. True wealth in life comes not from money and power but from relationships and people."
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Meanwhile, this year's Christmas Eve Mass was held for about two hours starting at 7:30 p.m. Traditionally, the Christmas Eve Mass is held at midnight, but due to the nighttime curfew imposed because of the COVID-19 situation, the Vatican moved the Mass forward to 7:30 p.m. local time.
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