He papa Francisco returned to ask for prayers for the end of conflicts in the last general audience of this year which was held in the Paul VI Hall of the Vatican.
“Let us not forget the people who suffer from war. Palestine, Israel and all those who suffer: Ukraine, Myanmar. Let us not forget to pray for peace, for the end of wars,” Francis noted that, as is traditional, will dedicate his Christmas message to shaking consciences reviewing the open crises that exist around the world.
Then he added: “Let us ask the Prince of Peace, the Lord, to grant us this grace: peace, peace in the world. War, let us not forget, is always a defeat, always”.
The Pontiff also asked that This Christmas there is a nativity scene in every house. Likewise, this Wednesday inaugurated the cycle of catechesis with the theme “Jesus Christ our hope” framed the Jubilee Year, which begins next Tuesday with the opening of the holy door of St. Peter’s Basilica.
With this new cycle of catechesis, he has taken a tour of the Gospels of the infancy of Jesushighlighting the depth of the genealogies that open Matthew’s story.
Thus, he explained that these are not only lists of names, but that “It is the true story of human lifewhich passes from one generation to another, giving three things: a name that contains identity and mission, belonging to a family and a people, and faith in the living God who accompanies his people.”
Francis also emphasized the relevance of women that appear in the genealogy of Jesus according to Matthew, highlighting how through them, in the words of Benedict XVI, “the world of the Gentiles enters the genealogy of Jesus: his mission to the Jews and the pagans is manifested.” For this reason, he also highlighted the unique role of Virgin Marywhose “yes” marks a new beginning.
“With Mary, it is no longer man who is the protagonist of generation, but God himself. “Jesus is the son of David, yes, but he is also the son of foreign women, called to be a light for the nations and Savior of the world,” he explained.
In another order, Francis asked that the elderly not be left alone during the Christmas holidays. Reflecting on today’s reading on the genealogy of Jesus, Francis stated that this “It makes us think about our ancestors, our grandparents and the wealth of all the elderly”.
“They are a gift from God that must be appreciated and cared for.. Let’s not allow them to be alone during the upcoming Christmas holidays.”he said in a greeting to the Portuguese-speaking pilgrims.
He also urged families to put the Nativity scene in their homes. “Christmas is approaching and I love to think that there is a nativity scene in your homes.: this important element of our spirituality and our culture is a suggestive way of remember Jesus who came to live among us”.
(With information from Europa Press and EFE)
