International

In an audio message broadcast today by the BBC as the “Thought for the Day,” Pope Francis urges us not to look at the future “with pessimism and resignation,” but to always choose the path of love and view the world with “the gentle gaze of hope”.

The Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, concelebrated Christmas Eve Mass with Papal Almoner, Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, at the Latin Cathedral in Kharkiv and, despite intense Russian bombings, then participated in the Christmas Day Divine Liturgy at the city's Greek Catholic Cathedral.

Finnish film director, Aki Kaurismäki's 20th full-length film, "Fallen Leaves", released in 2023, is part of the works chosen by the Dicastery of Evangelization to accompany pilgrims of hope on their jubilee journey. Fr Greg Apparcel reviews the movie and expresses his desire to see more Kaurismäki movies.

In an Advent message Pope Francis recently sent to University of Bethlehem students, the Holy Father calls on them to entrust everything to Jesus and to always safeguard their "precious gift of faith."

In light of the political and social challenges facing Guinea-Bissau, the Bishop of the Diocese of Bissau, Jose Lampra Cá, has urged Guinean Christians and the broader population to remain hopeful, prioritise peaceful coexistence and fraternity, particularly during this festive season.

The birth of Jesus is the most powerful sign and message of hope in a world darkened by the shadows of fear and uncertainty. For Christmas 2024, at the beginning of the Jubilee of Hope, Vatican Radio has asked Catholic leaders for their reflections on the theme, “The peace of Christ in a war-torn world.” Today’s message comes from Cardinal Lazarus You Heung-Sik, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Clergy.

During his Angelus address on the Feast of St. Stephen, the Holy Father renews Christmas wishes to the faithful, and, at the start of this Jubilee, appeals for remitting debt, disarmament, and to "stop colonizing people with weapons" that further perpetrates the wars plaguing the world.

Christmas can still be the happiest time of the year if we celebrate it genuinely. If we allow the authentic Christmas to happen, we can all still see the angels of Bethlehem and hear their sweet carol. We can all give glory to God and bring peace to men and women of goodwill on earth if we celebrate, like the shepherds, the happy news that God so loved the world and sent his only son to save all those who believe.

During his Angelus address for the Feast of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, the Holy Father invites faithful to ask themselves whether they take interest in and pray for those being persecuted for their faith today.

The Community of Sant’Egidio prepares Christmas meals for 80,000 homeless, elderly, families in need, and refugees in Rome and 250,000 others around the world.