Pope Francis marked the Christmas season today and asked that “the celebration not be confused with consumerism” and that the populations suffering from war, namely Palestinians, Israelis and Ukrainians, should not be forgotten.
"I wish you a good Sunday and a Christmas Eve in prayer, in the warmth of affection and in sobriety and, if you allow me, a recommendation: Do not confuse the celebration with consumerism", said the Pope during the Angelus prayer in the Square of Saint Peter, in Vatican City.
“As Christians, you can celebrate with simplicity and without waste, sharing with others who do not have what is necessary or who do not have company,” said the leader of the Catholic Church, leaning out of the window of the papal palace.
Francis also asked that this Christmas not forget the “brothers who suffer from war” and invited everyone to “think about Palestine, Israel and Ukraine and those who suffer from poverty, hunger and slavery”.
The Pope, who is still recovering from bronchitis, will preside over all Christmas liturgical events, starting with today's celebration of Midnight Mass, in St. Peter's Basilica.
The mass will start at 19:30 pm (18:30 pm in Lisbon), as has been customary in recent years, instead of waiting until midnight, so that the faithful can go to dinner with their families.
On Christmas morning, Francis will appear again at 12:00 pm (11:00 am in Lisbon) on the central balcony of the Vatican basilica, as on the day of his election, to read the Christmas message, focused on the evils and wars of the world, and grant the blessing “Urbi et Orbi” (to the city of Rome and to the whole world).
On December 31st, the first vespers will be celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica at 17:00 pm (16:00 pm in Lisbon) and, on January 01st, the Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Most Holy Mother of God will be celebrated, which coincides with the World Peace.
Christmas celebrations will end on January 06th, with the Epiphany Mass at 10:00 am (9:00 am in Lisbon) in São Pedro Square.
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