Christmas Eve Message from the Pope: Ignoring the Needy is Equivalent to Rejecting the Divine
In a recent sermon delivered on the night before Christmas, the pontiff has given a powerful message. He stressed that failing to lend a hand to the less fortunate and strangers is akin to denying God Himself.
The Pope, who is the first from the United States, has a papacy that is early in its tenure. He has consistently emphasized the importance of care for the poor and immigrants. He used the occasion of Christmas Eve Mass, attended by the global Catholic population of 1.4 billion, to reinforce these themes.
The Pope used the tale of Jesus, born in humble conditions because there was no space at the inn, to make a compelling point. He stated, "If we don't make room for people on Earth, we are not making room for God. Denying one is equivalent to denying the other."
First Christmas Celebration for the New Pope
The Pope, who was elected in May to succeed his predecessor, is celebrating his first Christmas in his new role. About 6,000 people were present at the Basilica to witness the sermon during the solemn service.
He has been vocal about his disagreement with certain political leaders' harsh stance against immigrants. During the sermon, he quoted a line from his predecessor, expressing sorrow over the world's indifference towards children, the poor, and foreigners.
A Call to Recognize the Dignity of Every Individual
The Pope stressed, "In a world where a twisted economy treats humans as commodities, God becomes like us, demonstrating the boundless dignity of every individual." He added, "Where there is space for a human being, there is space for God. A humble stable can hold more sanctity than a grand temple."
Despite the heavy rainfall in Rome, approximately 5,000 people gathered outside the Basilica. They watched the service on screens set up in the Square, clad in ponchos and holding umbrellas. The Pope, aged 70, came out to greet them before the commencement of the Mass. He praised their courage and thanked them for being present, despite the adverse weather conditions.
Christmas Day Celebrations
On the following day, the Pope led a Christmas Day Mass. He also delivered the "Urbi et Orbi" message and blessing, an event that occurs twice a year. This message, whose name translates to "to the city and the world", is eagerly anticipated by the faithful and serves as a reminder to care for the needy and strangers among us.
It is a call to remember that, as the Pope emphasized in his sermon, every individual holds an "infinite dignity". This Christmas message is a reminder that in helping a fellow human being, one is also serving the divine.