Pope Francis spoke about international politics and suffering in his Christmas Day message and blessing.
“There is darkness in human hearts but the light of Christ is greater… there is darkness in economic, geopolitical and ecological conflicts, but greater still is the light of Christ,” Pope Francis said.
He delivered the blessing from the main balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Urbi et Orbi is Latin for “to the city and to the world”.
In his message, Pope Francis spoke of world politics and prayed for several countries. He spoke about children suffering from war and spoke of the ongoing conflict in Syria.
He mentioned several countries and international crises in his speech including the war in Yemen.
“I think of the children in Yemen,” the pontiff said.
He spoke about protests in Lebanon and the need for aid in Venezuela.
“May he encourage the beloved Venezuelan people… and ensure they receive the aid they need,” the pontiff said.
Christmas Eve mass
Pope Francis spoke of gratitude and unconditional love at his Christmas Eve mass.
In an allusion that had been widely interpreted as referring to church scandals – in particular, related to sexual abuse – the Pope said that God loves “even the worst of us”.
He said that people should not wait for the “Church to be perfect” to “love her”.
