Pope congratulates Christians on Christmas, calls for peace in Ukraine

This is reported by Vatican News.

“Dear brothers and sisters, from the bottom of my heart I congratulate the communities of the Eastern Churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, who will celebrate the Lord's Christmas tomorrow. In a special way, I address this greeting to the brothers and sisters of the long-suffering Ukrainian people,” Pope Francis emphasized.

In his sermon, he addressed the faithful and called for specific steps to achieve peace in Ukraine.

“May the birth of the Saviour bring comfort and hope, and inspire specific steps that may finally lead to an end to the fighting and to peace. May we pray often for Ukraine and for peace,” Pope Francis added. 

• On December 25, the Pope also mentioned the war in Ukraine during his Christmas speech. According to him, the level of greed and thirst for power is such that some want to “consume even their neighbors.” The pontiff addressed the faithful and called on those in power to silence the weapons and put an end to the war in Ukraine