Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - "On this Christmas 2011, let us turn to the Child of Bethlehem, to the Son of the Virgin Mary, and say: 'Come to save us!' Let us repeat these words in spiritual union with the many people who experience particularly difficult situations; let us speak out for those who have no voice". This is what the Holy Father Benedict XVI invites us to do during the Christmas Message delivered on the Solemnity of Christmas, from the Loggia of the Vatican Basilica. The Pope asked us to pray for the peoples of the Horn of Africa, "who suffer from hunger and food shortages, aggravated at times by a persistent state of insecurity", and for "the many displaced persons coming from that region"; for the peoples of Thailand and the Philippines, "who are still enduring grave hardships as a result of the recent floods". "May the Lord come to the aid of our world torn by so many conflicts which even today stain the earth with blood – the Pope continued-. May the Prince of Peace grant peace and stability to that Land where he chose to come to the world, and encourage the resumption of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. May he bring an end to the violence in Syria, where so much blood has already been shed. May he foster full reconciliation and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan. May he grant renewed vigor to all elements of society in the countries of North Africa and Middle East. May the birth of the Savior support the prospects of dialogue and cooperation in Myanmar, in the pursuit of shared solutions. May the Nativity of the Redeemer ensure political stability to the countries of the Great Lakes Region of Africa and assist the people of South Sudan in their commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens". At the end of the Message the Pope delivered the Christmas greeting in 65 languages.
Even on Boxing Day, December 26, the Pope appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square. In his speech the Holy Father recalled the figure of Stephen, "a man of prayer and evangelization, whose name means 'crown', he received from God the gift of martyrdom". Then he remembered that after the generation of the Apostles, the martyrs held "a prominent place in the consideration of the Christian Community". In times of major persecution, they praise the faithful’s journey and encouraged and encouraged those in search of the truth to be converted to the Lord. "As in ancient times even today sincere adherence to the Gospel may require the sacrifice of life and many Christians in various parts of the world are exposed to persecution and martyrdom at times". After praying the Angelus, the Pope recalled the violence that happened in Nigeria on Christmas Day, with these words: "Christmas evokes in us, in even a stronger way, the prayer to God so that the hands of violent are stopped, that sow death and so justice and peace can reign in the world. But our land continues to be drenched in innocent blood. I have learned with deep sadness the news of the attacks that even this year on the Day of the Birth of Jesus, brought grief and pain in some churches in Nigeria. I wish to express my sincere and affectionate closeness to the Christian community and to all those who have been affected by this senseless act and invite you to pray to the Lord for the many victims. Right now I want to repeat once again with force: violence is a path that only leads to pain, destruction and death; respect, reconciliation and love are the only way to achieve peace". (SL) (Agenzia Fides 28/12/2011)
