Pope Francis Archives - Lokmarg

On the occasion of Christmas, world leaders – US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Pope Francis wished a ‘Merry Christmas’ to people across the globe.

“Jill and I hope everyone is able to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season. We’re also holding a special place in our hearts for anyone missing a loved one during this time. From our family to yours, we wish you a peaceful Christmas Eve,” tweeted Biden.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis tweeted, “Tonight, God draws near to you because you are important to him. From the manger, as food for your life, He tells you: “If you feel consumed by events, if a sense of guilt and inadequacy devours you, if you hunger for justice, I am with you. #Christmas. Jesus asks us to go to the bare reality of things, to lay down all our excuses, our justifications and our hypocrisies at the feet of the manger. He whom Mary tenderly wrapped in swaddling wants us to be clothed in love. #Christmas.”

Canadian PM Trudeau also wished “joy, health, love, and peace,” and said that he is “excited to gather around the Christmas tree and spend some quality time together.”

“Merry Christmas! Like millions of Canadians, my family is excited to gather around the Christmas tree and spend some quality time together. And as we look ahead to the new year, we’re also wishing you joy, health, love, and peace,” tweeted Trudeau.

He also thanked the Canadian Armed Forces for protecting the country. “This year, I’m thinking of Canadians who go the extra mile to make our country a better place. I’m thinking of members of the Canadian Armed Forces who are protecting our country and the values we share. I’m thinking of the doctors, nurses, and first responders working throughout the holidays. And I’m thinking of everyday Canadians who find ways to show up for their friends and neighbours.”

Trudeau said that 2022 was a challenging year; for many, this holiday season won’t be easy. “But I’m confident that Canadians will continue to be there for each other in 2023 – because that’s just who we are,” he said.

Australian PM Albanese said that Christmas is a special time of year.

“It’s a day of giving. It’s a day for relaxing together with family and friends. And for many Australians, it is a day that is so central to their faith. Of course, not everyone gets to take it easy today. If you’re rostered somewhere, I want to say thank you for your service to others. If you’re working because you volunteered your time to make Christmas better for your fellow Australians, whether you’re serving lunch to those in need or you’re keeping our beaches safe, I want to express my gratitude and my admiration.”

Thanking emergency service workers and the Australian Defence Force, he said, “The same goes to all our emergency service workers and of course, all Australian Defence Force personnel, whether they’re serving here or far from home overseas. Thank you to every single one of you. Whatever form Christmas Day takes for you, may it be a very happy one and may Santa be good to every child. Merry Christmas.” (ANI)

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Taking a dim view of the “grave” situation that has arisen in recent days, Pope Francis made an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war and also to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “to be open to serious proposals” for peace, reported Vatican News, citing a working translation of the pontiff’s address in Italian.

“My appeal is addressed first and foremost to the President of the Russian Federation, imploring him to stop this spiral of violence and death, also for the sake of his own people.” On the other hand, saddened at the immense suffering of the Ukrainian people as a result of the aggression they have suffered, I address an equally confident appeal to the President of Ukraine to be open to serious proposals for peace, “he said.
The speech was given by Pope Francis before leading the recitation of Sunday’s midday Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square. He expressed “great concern” and said that the course of the war in Ukraine has become “so serious, devastating, and threatening.”

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Pope said it will be so if conditions for negotiations are “based on respect for the sacrosanct value of human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country”, and the rights of minorities and legitimate concerns.

“I deeply deplore the grave situation that has arisen in recent days, with further actions contrary to the principles of international law. It increases the risk of nuclear escalation, giving rise to fears of uncontrollable and catastrophic consequences worldwide.”

As it prolongs, Pope termed the war a “terrible and inconceivable wound to humanity”, and said that instead of healing the war continues to shed “even more blood, risking to spread” further.

“I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and threatened vast territories with cold and hunger.”

“Certain actions can never be justified, never!” Pope said.

Several Ukrainian regions have been in the headlines over alleged mass graves or due to the imminent risk to their nuclear plants. Taking note of the past such developments, Pope distressingly told the gathering that “it is disturbing that the world is learning the geography of Ukraine through names such as Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Izium, Zaporizhzhia and other areas, which have become places of indescribable suffering and fear.”

Pope Francis described the war as “absurd” and questioned, “What is to happen next?” How much blood must still flow for us to realize that war is never a solution, only destruction? “

“In the name of God and in the name of the sense of humanity that dwells in every heart, I renew my call for an immediate ceasefire.” Let there be a halt to arms, and let us seek the conditions for negotiations that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just, and stable. “

The pontiff urged all the protagonists of international life and the political leaders of nations to do everything possible to bring an end to the war, without allowing themselves to be drawn into dangerous escalations, and to promote and support initiatives for dialogue.

“Please let the younger generations breathe the holy air of peace, not the polluted air of war, which is madness! After seven months of hostilities, let us use all diplomatic means, even those that may not have been used so far, to bring an end to this terrible tragedy. “War in itself is an error and a horror!” (ANI)

Tag: Pope Francis

From Biden To Pope, World Leaders Wish People ‘Merry Christmas’

Pope Appeals To Putin, Zelensky For Immediate Ceasefire