Pope urges 'more humble' Christmas gifts to help Ukrainians
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis on Wednesday urged people to give “more humble” Christmas presents and send the money saved to the Ukrainian people “which is suffering so much” in winter after the Russian invasion.
“Brothers and sisters I tell you there is so much suffering in Ukraine, so much, so much! ” the pontiff said during his weekly general audience for pilgrims and the faithful in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican.
“I want to have your attention a little on the next Christmas and the holidays.”
“It is beautiful to celebrate Christmas, to have festivities … but let us lower a little the level of Christmas spending, as it is called,” Francis said.
“Let’s do a more humble Christmas, with more humble presents,” the pope said.
“Let’s send what we save to the Ukrainian people, which is in need of help, they are suffering so much, they are hungry, they feel the cold, and so many are dying because there no doctors or nurses available.”
“Let’s not forget – Christmas, yes, in peace with the Lord, yes, but with the Ukrainians in our hearts. And let’s make this gesture for them. I am inviting you all to intensify your spiritual preparation.”
jp
© COPYRIGHT ITALIAN INSIDER
UNAUTHORISED REPRODUCTION FORBIDDEN
Michael55
Send Money to Ukraine
I think it's time for the Ukrainian president to stop his theatrics. Ukraine has received 90 billion dollars to continue the war. The wife of the Ukrainian president was in Paris a few weeks ago, where she spent over $40,000 on clothing and other items. The people of Ukraine are starving, and they have no food and, in some cases, no heat. The president cuts off the internet and television unless he has something to contribute. What is he afraid of? That his people will discover he is the cause of all the conflict. No, I say enough funding for Ukraine. Instead, take care of our elderly and families struggling to have a Christmas and put food on the table. The Holy Father needs to stay out of politics and focus on the souls of his flock. Church and state must remain separate.