ROME
Christmas celebrations marked by messages of peace for conflict-ridden world
December 25, 2017 | 10:40 hrs GMT
Millions of Christians across the globe are celebrating Catholic Christmas. Even in war-ravaged countries calm has briefly reigned over chaos, sending a message of peace for the entire world.
Catholics around the world watched Pope Francis lead late evening Christmas Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the heart of the Vatican. Addressing the faithful, Francis recalled how the birth of Jesus become a “source of hope” in the world. Reciting the story of Mary and Joseph, and Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, “where there was no place for them,” Francis drew parallels to the struggles of modern day refugees.
“So many other footsteps are hidden in the footsteps of Joseph and Mary,” the Pope said. “We see the tracks of entire families forced to set out in our own day. We see the tracks of millions of persons who do not choose to go away, but, driven from their land, leave behind their dear ones.”