Pope Francis expressed the desire that “mutual respect and recognition of the rights and cultural values of all human beings” prevail in America in a Christmas message read in St. Peter’s Basilica this Saturday (25).
“May the values of solidarity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence prevail in the hearts of the peoples of the American continent, through dialogue, mutual respect and recognition of the rights and cultural values of all human beings”, said the pontiff in the only reference to Latin America .
As in previous years, the Christmas message mentioned world dramas and conflicts, such as the war in Syria, problems in the Middle East, the crisis in Yemen and Mymar and the economic crisis in Lebanon, among others.
Standing in St. Peter’s Square, after missing this moment last year due to sanitary restrictions, the pope also asked “the Child who has just been born” on this Christmas Day for Catholics to comfort “the victims of violence against women that is spreading in this time of pandemic” and “offer hope to children and adolescents who are victims of harassment and abuse”.
The pontiff prayed that God would grant “health to the sick and inspire all people of good will to find the most appropriate solutions to help overcome the health crisis and its consequences.”
“Make hearts be generous, so that the necessary assistance, especially vaccines, can reach the poorest populations,” added the religious leader in front of thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, despite the rainy day.
The pope also urged people not to be “indifferent to the situation of migrants, displaced people and refugees.”
“Their eyes ask us not to look away, not to deny the humanity that unites us, to make their stories our own and not forget their tragedies.
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