Overview
- He spotlighted Gaza’s humanitarian emergency, asking how one can not think of tents exposed for weeks to rain, wind and cold.
- In his Urbi et Orbi address, he called for the clamor of arms to cease and pressed Russia and Ukraine to start direct, sincere negotiations.
- He denounced a distorted economy that reduces people to merchandise and appealed for compassion toward migrants and refugees.
- He urged political leaders in Latin America to prioritize dialogue for the common good over ideological or partisan exclusion.
- Roughly 6,000 attended inside St. Peter’s Basilica and about 5,000 watched in the square despite rain, as Bethlehem resumed public Christmas celebrations.