Pope warns that Christmas has been 'taken hostage' by materialism
During the Christmas eve mass at the Vatican, Pope Francis said that Christmas had been "taken hostage" by materialism that leaves God in shadows and people indifferent to the marginalized, especially the children.
Speaking to 10,000 churchgoers and dozens of cardinals and bishops, the pope stated in his homily at St. Peter's Basilica that people are too preoccupied with gifts and merriment that they forget the humility aspect of Christmas.
"If we want to celebrate Christmas authentically, we need to contemplate this sign: the fragile simplicity of a small newborn, the meekness of where he lies, the tender affection of the swaddling clothes. God is there," the Pope stated.
He reminded those present that baby Jesus suffered rejection and indifference. He then brought attention to similar plights experienced by many children of today, especially those born under poor circumstances, those who trapped in war-torn areas, and those who are forced to flee the comforts of their homes to become immigrants in unknown lands.
"Let us also allow ourselves to be challenged by the children of today's world, who are not lying in a cot caressed with the affection of a mother and father, but rather suffer the squalid mangers that devour dignity: hiding underground to escape bombardment, on the pavements of a large city, at the bottom of a boat over-laden with immigrants," he went on to say.
Pope Francis, who currently leads 1.2 billion Catholic Christians worldwide, also delivered his bi-annual "Urbi et Orbi" from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica on Christmas day. In his message, which called for peace, he also made special mention of children, remembering "those deprived of the joys of childhood because of hunger, wars or the selfishness of adults."
Strict security measures were implemented at the Vatican during Christmas weekend, following the news that the Italian authorities killed the suspect for the Berlin Christmas market attack that claimed 12 lives. St. Peter's Square was emptied six hours before the Christmas eve mass commenced as security procedures for those who are getting inside the church were set up.
