Pope Francis Christmas/ 2025 Holy Year/ Urbi et Orbi address/ global peace call/ Christmas and Hanukkah overlap/ VATICAN CITY/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In his Christmas “Urbi et Orbi” address, Pope Francis urged people worldwide to silence arms and overcome divisions, emphasizing reconciliation during the 2025 Holy Year of hope. The pontiff highlighted humanitarian crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other regions, while celebrating the start of the Jubilee at St. Peter’s Basilica. Interfaith and global Christmas celebrations, including a rare overlap with Hanukkah, were shadowed by violence in Iraq and Germany.
Pope’s Christmas Message: Quick Looks
- Call for Peace: Pope Francis called for ending violence in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Myanmar.
- Holy Year Begins: The 2025 Jubilee kicked off with the opening of St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door.
- Global Crises: Francis condemned suffering caused by war, famine, displacement, and disease worldwide.
- Interfaith Gatherings: Hanukkah and Christmas coincide, inspiring shared celebrations amid rising antisemitism.
- Darkened Festivities: Violence in Iraq and Germany cast a shadow over holiday celebrations.
Pope Francis Calls for Peace in Christmas Address Amid Global Conflicts
Deep Look
In a poignant Christmas Day message, Pope Francis appealed to people of all nations to embrace reconciliation and unity, using the start of the 2025 Holy Year as a backdrop to highlight global conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Pope’s Message
Speaking from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis urged the world to “silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions,” drawing attention to war-torn regions such as Ukraine, the Middle East, and Myanmar. The pontiff emphasized the symbolic significance of the Holy Door, opened on Christmas Eve, as a representation of God’s mercy.
“Hatred and the spirit of revenge must give way to hope,” Francis said, calling for the release of hostages and a global embrace of peace, even with adversaries.
Global Humanitarian Concerns
The pope’s address underscored the ongoing suffering in various regions:
- Ukraine: Continued missile strikes and humanitarian challenges caused by Russia’s war.
- Middle East: The dire situation in Gaza and strife in Lebanon and Syria.
- Africa: A deadly measles outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Asia: Escalating violence and displacement in Myanmar.
Francis also remembered those affected by hunger, displacement, and persecution worldwide.
Holy Year and Pilgrims
The 2025 Jubilee, themed around hope, began with the opening of St. Peter’s Basilica’s Holy Door. Pilgrims flocked to the Vatican to participate, with many describing the spiritual journey as deeply emotional. An estimated 32 million Catholics are expected to visit Rome during the Jubilee, seeking forgiveness and renewal.
Interfaith Harmony Amid Conflict
This year, Christmas coincided with Hanukkah, a rare occurrence that has happened only four times since 1900. The overlap inspired interfaith gatherings, such as a Houston event uniting Jewish and Latino communities. However, the festive spirit was tempered by global concerns, including fears of antisemitism amid wars in the Middle East.
Iraqi Christians’ Resilience
In Iraq’s Nineveh Plains, Christians gathered for Christmas Mass despite persistent insecurity. The Christian population in Iraq, once robust, has dwindled due to decades of conflict and persecution, leaving the community uncertain about its future.
Germany’s Mourning
Germany’s Christmas celebrations were marred by a tragic car attack at a Magdeburg market, which left five dead, including a child, and injured 200 others. President Frank-Walter Steinmeier condemned the attack and called for unity against hate and violence. The suspect, a Saudi doctor, faces multiple charges and is alleged to have voiced anti-Islamic rhetoric online.
Conclusion
Pope Francis’ Christmas address reflected both the joy of the holiday season and the gravity of global challenges. His calls for peace, unity, and hope resonate as the world grapples with violence, displacement, and humanitarian crises.
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