Pope Francis on Wednesday called for a “reduction in spending” at Christmas, with the aim of saving money and sending donations to Ukrainians “who have been suffering so much” since the start of the Russian invasion in February.
“Brothers and sisters, I tell you, there is so much suffering in Ukraine. A lot. I would like to draw attention to the upcoming Christmas holidays. It is beautiful to celebrate Christmas, but let’s lower the level of Christmas spending a bit.” Francis asked at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican.
“We are going to have a more humble Christmas, with more humble gifts. We are going to send what we save to the Ukrainian people who need it. They are suffering so much, they are hungry, cold, so many people are dying because there are no doctors or nurses,” he said. the religious leader, before the faithful gathered in the Paul VI room.
And he concluded: “Let’s not forget: Christmas, yes. At peace with the Lord, yes. But with the Ukrainians in the heart. Let us make this concrete gesture for them”.
Francis has repeatedly called for peace in Ukraine since the Russian military offensive began on February 24, a topic he regularly raises in his speeches.
On Thursday, during a public event in Rome, he was moved and could not hide his tears when he once again evoked Ukraine “martyred” by the war.
Source: TSF
