His Holiness Pope Francis at Christmas Urbi et Orbi: May we become pilgrims of hope, peace, and unity
This news is shared on the website of Vatican News.
Wishing everyone a "a serene and blessed Christmas," His Holiness Pope Francis celebrates the joy of this day on which we celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus, "the mystery that never ceases to amaze and move us." He underscores how "the door of God's heart is always open" and may we "be reconciled with God" and with one another for a world marked by peace and harmony.
By Thaddeus Jones
“The mystery that never ceases to amaze and move us was renewed this night: the Virgin Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Son of God, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. That is how the shepherds of Bethlehem, filled with joy, found him, as the angels sang: 'Glory to God and peace to men'”
At midday on Christmas morning, His Holiness Pope Francis gave his customary Christmas greetings and message from the central loggia of Saint Peter's Basilica before the crowds in the square and live to people watching around the world via media. At the conclusion, he imparted his blessing "Urbi et Orbi" - to the city and the world as he also does on Easter Sunday.
The launch of the Jubilee year 2025 marked the theme of this year's Christmas message and context, as the Pope opened the Holy Door of Saint Peter's Basilica at the start of yesterday's Christmas Mass during the Night.
God's heart always open to us
The Pope began his Christmas message explaining that the joy we celebrate today comes from an event that took place two thousand years ago - the birth of the Lord Jesus, the eternal Word of salvation - "made new thanks to the Holy Spirit" and which continues to speak to every man and woman today, saying, “I love you, I forgive you; come back to me, the door of my heart is open!”
He emphasized how "the door of God’s heart is always open" and called on us to return to the heart "that loves and forgives us" and lets us be reconciled to Him…
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