Celebrate Christmas ‘with Ukraine in your hearts,’ pope says, urging aid December 14, 2022By Catholic News Service Catholic News Service Filed Under: Christmas, Feature, News, Vatican, War in Ukraine, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Celebrating Christmas is important and beautiful, Pope Francis said, but he asked people to spend less on their celebrations this year and donate the savings to help the people of Ukraine. As he has done at his general audiences since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, the pope asked pilgrims and visitors Dec. 14 to express their “closeness to the martyred Ukrainian people, persevering in fervent prayer for these brothers and sisters of ours who are suffering so much.” “Brothers and sisters, I tell you, they are suffering so very, very much in Ukraine,” the pope said. “I want to draw your attention to Christmas, which is coming, and to the festivities,” he said. “It’s beautiful to celebrate Christmas and have parties, but let’s reduce the level of Christmas spending a bit; let’s have a simpler Christmas with more modest gifts.” And, the pope said, “let’s send what we save to the people of Ukraine, who are suffering so much.” People in the country are hungry and cold, he said. “And many die because there are no doctors and nurses available,” the pope said. Celebrate Christmas “at peace with the Lord,” he said, and “with Ukraine in your hearts.” Read More Crisis in Ukraine Pope says US-European alliance needs to be strong Dialogue, diplomacy can lead to just, lasting peace in Ukraine, pope says Holy See at UN calls for end to Russia’s war in Ukraine ‘right now’ Ukraine’s religious leaders warn Russia will attack Europe if not halted, held accountable Baltimore native Weigel honored for defense of human dignity in the face of aggression Holding inflight news conference, pope talks about peace in Gaza, Ukraine Copyright © 2022 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
