VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis urged Christians Saturday not to confuse Christmas with consumerism, calling on the faithful to remain close to those suffering in wars in Palestine, Israel and Ukraine.

 “Let’s think also of those who suffer through poverty, hunger, slavery,” the pontiff said in his weekly Angelus address. “One can and as Christians one must, celebrate in simplicity, without waste, and sharing with those who lack the necessary or lack company.”

 “Let’s be close to our brothers and sisters who suffer from poverty, hunger, slavery. May God who took for himself a human heart spread humanity in human hearts.”

“Let’s not confuse the feast with consumerism,” the pope said.