Pope Francis defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message

Pope  Francis defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message

[ad_1]

Pope Francis, Migrants, Christmas

Pope Francis urged the world to let the light of Christmas pierce the “darkness in human hearts” that leads to religious persecution, social injustice, armed conflicts and fear of migrants.

In his “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city and the world) Christmas Day message, the 83-year-old pope called for peace in the Holy Land, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Venezuela, Ukraine, and several African countries caught up in conflicts.

ALSO READ: Gunmen escape with 2 bodies, kill 2 soldiers attached to Jonathan

The common thread of his address to tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and millions watching or listening around the world was that change starts in the hearts of individuals.

“There is darkness in human hearts, yet the light of Christ is greater still,” Francis said, as he marked the seventh Christmas of his pontificate.

“There is darkness in personal, family and social relationships, but the light of Christ is greater. There is darkness in economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts, yet greater still is the light of Christ,” he said.

ALSO READ: Oshiomhole rejects Christmas gifts from Obaseki — Gov’s Aide

Francis singled out the persecution of Christians by militant groups in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria, asking God to console those who suffer for their faith.

On Dec. 1, at least 14 people were shot dead in an attack on a church in eastern Burkina Faso, where an Islamist insurgency has ignited ethnic and religious tensions.

Source: Reuters

Vanguard News

The post Pope Francis defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message appeared first on Vanguard News.

[ad_2]

Source link

More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Pope Francis defends migrants, calls for peace in Christmas message

 

Log In

Or with username:

Forgot password?

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Log in

Privacy Policy

Add to Collection

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.