VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis recalled the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem and said in a Christmas Eve homily that “even today, the clash of arms” prevents Jesus from “finding his place in the world.”
The pope presided over Sunday's evening mass, attended by about 6,500 faithful who were seated behind rows of white-robed prelates amid the splendor of St. Peter's Basilica.
“Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once again rejected by the futile logic of war,” the pope said, referring to the war sparked by Hamas' deadly Oct. 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel was triggered.
At the beginning of the mass, a statuette of the Christ child was unveiled in front of the altar decorated with greenery and white flowers, and children from all parts of the world placed flowers around a gilded throne.
Francis, clad in white robes, led the mass at the foot of one of St. Peter's Basilica's large columns.
Recalling that Jesus was born during a census intended to strengthen the power of King David, Francis warned against “the pursuit of worldly power and might, fame and honor, which measures everything in success, results, numbers and numbers, a world , who is obsessed with performance.” .”
In contrast, Jesus humbly entered the world and took on human flesh. “Here we see not a God of wrath and chastisement, but the God of mercy, who takes on flesh and enters the world in weakness,” the pope said.
A pagan deity is associated with “power, worldly success and consumer idolatry,” the pope said. “God, on the other hand, leaves no magic to be desired; he is not a trading god who promises everything at once. He doesn’t save us at the push of a button, but comes to us to change our world from within.”
As Christmas Eve Mass ended, the pope moved through the basilica in a wheelchair, with the life-size statue of the baby Jesus on his lap and flanked by children carrying bouquets of flowers. The statue was placed in a manger in a manger in the basilica.
Francis, 87, had to use a wheelchair to travel long distances and a cane for shorter distances because of a painful knee brace.
During the traditional Angelus blessing at noon overlooking St. Peter's Square, the pope remembered the victims of the war and recalled the special fighting in Ukraine and the bombing and siege of the Gaza Strip by Israel in response to the Hamas attack.
“We are close to our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of the war. We think of Palestine, Israel, Ukraine. “We also think of those who suffer misery, hunger and slavery,” Francis said. “May the God who took a human heart for himself instill humanity in people,” he added.
Speaking from the window of his studio to the thousands of faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square for the Angelus prayer, the pope also urged the faithful not to “confuse celebration with consumerism.” One can and must celebrate as a Christian in simplicity without waste and by sharing with those who lack basic necessities or who lack companionship.”
Traditionally, Catholics celebrate Christmas Eve by attending midnight mass. But over the years, the start time at the Vatican has moved earlier and earlier, reflecting the health or stamina of popes and then the pandemic. The Vatican has maintained the 7:30 p.m. time originally set during a pandemic curfew.
On Christmas Day, tens of thousands of Romans, tourists and pilgrims were expected to crowd St. Peter's Square to listen to Pope Francis address world issues and give his blessing. The speech, called “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and to the world) in Latin, is traditionally an occasion to reflect on crises such as war, persecution and hunger in many parts of the world.
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