Pope Francis: ‘There are so many tears this Christmas’ [View all]

[madfloridian]

This pope is impressive. He shows compassion.

Pope: ‘There are so many tears this Christmas’

VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis focused his concern on those weeping in the world this Christmas, singling out refugees, abused children, hostages and others suffering in the Middle East, Africa, Ukraine and elsewhere as he prayed for hope and peace Thursday.

Anguish for children who are mistreated or victims of violence, including those who died in the recent terrorist attack on a Pakistani military school, tempered the pontiff’s traditional Christmas message, which he delivered to a crowd of about 80,000 from a balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica.

“Truly, there are so many tears this Christmas,” Francis said, noting all the pain and suffering in the world.

....Referring to refugees and exiles, he prayed: “May indifference be changed into closeness, and rejection into hospitality.”

He expressed hope they’d receive humanitarian help to withstand the “rigors of winter, return to their countries and live with dignity.”