Speaking from a balcony in front of St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, the pontiff called the pandemic a “complicated crisis” that has tested social ties and a growing tendency to withdraw.
“Our capacity for social interaction is exhausted,” Francis said addressing the people in the square as well as millions of Catholics around the world.
“There is an increasing tendency to withdraw, do it all yourself, meet others, and stop trying to do things together,” he said.
Unlike in 2020, people were able to come to the square to hear the traditional message this year, but the current rise in coronavirus cases in Italy has resulted in only a fifth of the number of attendees compared to before the pandemic.
Last year, the pope gave a speech from the Apostolic Palace instead of the balcony, which the public was not allowed to attend.
Holy See Press Office director Matteo Bruni told CNN that on Christmas Eve the Pope led a mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in the presence of about 2,000 people.
The Pope said on Saturday that the pandemic has also affected negotiations regarding the international conflict, forcing people to take “shortcuts rather than the long way” to negotiate.
“What would our world be like without the patient dialogue of sisters and brothers, without the many generous individuals holding families and communities together? In this time of pandemic, we have felt it more and more,” he said.
He urged the world to “open its heart” to providing essential medical care, especially vaccines, to vulnerable people.
“Lord – with us, grant health to the infirm and inspire all men and women to seek the best ways to overcome the current health crisis and its effects for good will. An open heart to ensure the necessary medical care ” – and vaccines in particular – are provided to those who need them most. Repay those who dedicate themselves generously to caring for family members, the sick and the most vulnerable among us.” They said.
The leader of the Catholic Church said the world has become accustomed to such great tragedies that “we hardly notice them now.” He called for an end to conflicts throughout the Middle East and Africa, listing several places, including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Ethiopia.
The 85-year-old pontiff also used his Christmas message to address violence against women, which he said has increased during the pandemic. In a speech marking his ninth Christmas as the pontiff, Francis also highlighted the plight of refugees and migrants.
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