Pope Francis delivered his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday, urging people from all nations to find the courage to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions around the world. As Christmas coincided with the start of the 2025 Holy Year dedicated to hope, the pontiff called for reconciliation, even with enemies. He specifically mentioned the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as the humanitarian crises in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Pope Francis also appealed for the release of hostages taken by Hamas from Israel.
The pontiff also addressed the various challenges facing society, including children suffering from war and hunger, the isolation of the elderly, refugees fleeing their homelands, unemployment, and persecution based on faith. He called on individuals and nations to become pilgrims of hope, emphasizing the need to overcome divisions and work towards peace. Thousands of pilgrims lined up on Christmas Day to pass through the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, as the Jubilee year was expected to draw millions of Catholic faithful to Rome.
Meanwhile, King Charles III of Britain, along with Queen Consort Camilla and other members of the royal family, attended Christmas Day services at a church on the Sandringham estate. The monarch waved to a crowd of onlookers gathered outside the church, where he was joined by Catherine, Princess of Wales. In his annual Christmas message, King Charles III highlighted the contributions of health workers, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the global pandemic. This marked the first time since 2006 that the Christmas message was not filmed at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle, showing a departure from tradition.
Overall, both Pope Francis and King Charles III used their Christmas messages to address pressing issues facing society. Pope Francis called for peace and reconciliation, urging people to work towards overcoming divisions and silencing the sounds of arms. King Charles III highlighted the importance of health workers and the resilience of communities in the face of challenges. Both leaders emphasized the need for hope and unity during the holiday season, offering messages of solidarity and support to individuals and communities worldwide. Their messages served as reminders of the power of compassion and faith in overcoming adversity and working towards a better future for all.
