Pope Francis expressed sorrow on Sunday that the message of peace brought by Jesus was being drowned out by the “futile logic of war” in the very land of his birth. Leading the world’s Roman Catholics into Christmas, the Pope, celebrating the 11th Christmas of his pontificate, delivered a homily during a solemn Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Tonight, our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, by the clash of arms that even today prevents him from finding room in the world,” Pope Francis remarked.
His comments came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to intensify military operations in Gaza. The Pope urged a focus on the true message of Christmas—peace and love—discouraging an obsession with worldly success and consumerism.
While acknowledging the challenges of celebrating Christmas in a judgmental world, Pope Francis emphasized the transformative power of love, stating, “Tonight, love changes history.”
The Pope has consistently called for a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict and the release of hostages held by Palestinian militant groups. In his Christmas Day “Urbi et Orbi” message and blessing on Monday, he is expected to address global concerns and offer guidance.
