Global Christmas Messages Emphasize Peace and Unity

Pope Leo XIV has urged Ukraine and Russia to find the 'courage' to hold direct talks to end the war during his first Christmas address to crowds in St Peter's Square. He called for an end to conflicts around the world, mentioning Ukraine, Thailand, Cambodia, and Gaza. The Pope lamented the conditions for homeless people worldwide and the damage caused by conflicts. He asked that nations work towards reconciliation and peace, specifically mentioning the need for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza.

Pope Leo XIV, in his first Christmas homily, condemned the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and urged peace in Ukraine. He expressed concern over the 'rubble and open wounds' left behind by wars, specifically highlighting the harsh conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The Pope also called for 'courage' for direct talks between Russia and Ukraine to end their nearly four-year war. Additionally, he emphasized the need for 'solidarity with and acceptance of those in need' in Europe. The Pope met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas last month and agreed on the need to provide assistance to Gaza's civilian population and to pursue a two-state solution.

Thousands attended Bethlehem's Christmas tree lighting ceremony, the first since the war in Gaza began in 2023. The event aimed to revive the city's tourism industry, which has been devastated by the conflict. The absence of tourists has led to high unemployment and hotel vacancies. Local leaders and clergy called for a return to normalcy and peace, with Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa urging the crowd to 'be the light' in a time of darkness. The ceremony was a significant event for the city, which relies heavily on tourism and pilgrims.

A baby named Sohn Yang-young was born on Christmas Day 1950 aboard the SS Meredith Victory, a US ship carrying over 14,000 North Korean war refugees to safety in South Korea. The birth was considered a 'Christmas miracle' by US servicemen on board, who nicknamed the baby 'Kimchi.' The story highlights a remarkable event during the Korean War, showcasing the humanitarian efforts of the US servicemen and the resilience of the refugees.

The article discusses the survival of Paris' 475-year-old book market, known as bouquinistes, along the Seine River in the face of the digital world. The booksellers, who have been a fixture in Paris for centuries, are determined to keep their profession alive despite challenges such as e-books and online booksellers. The article highlights the unique aspects of being a bouquiniste, including the freedom to work outdoors and the human connection with customers. It also touches on the strict regulations that govern the profession and the efforts of the booksellers to adapt to changing times.

Christmas celebrations returned to Bethlehem and Nazareth, two cities central to Christianity, but with differing circumstances. Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, is experiencing a decline in its Christian population, which has dwindled from 86% in 1950 to around 10% in 2017. The city's Christian community is concerned about their future due to the Palestinian Authority's governance and recent incidents of harassment and violence. In contrast, Nazareth, where Jesus lived, has a growing Christian presence and is described as prospering under Israeli authority. The article highlights the contrasting realities of Christian communities in the two cities and the challenges they face.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first Christmas message, calling for peace and unity in conflict-scarred regions, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. He prayed for justice, peace, and stability in Lebanon, Palestine, Israel, and Syria, and urged world leaders to reject violence and indifference. The Pope also remembered civilians caught in other conflicts, including in parts of Africa and Asia, and prayed for peace for people suffering under political instability, religious persecution, and terrorism. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, has made appeals for peace a central theme of his early papacy and has repeatedly called for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine.

The Pope and the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, delivered Christmas sermons addressing pressing global issues. The Pope lamented the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and called for peace in Ukraine and other conflict zones. Meanwhile, Dame Sarah Mullally emphasized the need for unity in the face of divisive conversations about immigration, highlighting the common humanity that should unite people. The Archbishop of York also spoke out about his experience being intimidated by Israeli militias during a visit to the Holy Land.