Recalling Jesus\u2019 birth in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that \u201cthe clash of arms even today\u201d prevents Jesus \u201cfrom finding room in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The pontiff presided Sunday over the evening Mass attended by about 6,500 faithful who took their place amid the splendour of St. Peter\u2019s Basilica behind rows of white-clad prelates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war,\u201d the Pope said, referring to the war sparked by Hamas\u2019 deadly Oct. 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Mass began, a statuette of the Christ child was unveiled before the altar bedecked in greenery and white flowers, and children representing all corners of the globe placed flowers around a gilded throne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St. Peter\u2019s grand columns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Recalling that Jesus was born during a census meant to reinforce King David\u2019s power, Francis warned against \u201cthe quest for worldly power and might, fame and glory, which measures everything in terms of success, results, numbers and figures, a world obsessed with achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By contrast, Jesus entered the world humbly, taking human flesh. \u201cHere, we see not a god of wrath and chastisement, but the God of mercy, who takes flesh and enters the world in weakness,\u2019\u2019 the Pope said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A pagan deity is linked to \u201cpower, worldly success and idolatry of consumerism,\u201d the Pope said. \u201cGod, on the other hand, waves no magic want; he is no god of commerce who promises everything all at once. He does not save us by pushing a button, but draws near us, in order to change our world from within.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the Christmas Eve Mass ended, the Pope, pushed in a wheelchair, moved down the basilica with the life-sized statue of Baby Jesus on his lap and flanked by children carrying bouquets. The statue was placed in a manger in a nativity scene in the basilica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(Politico)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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