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Pope Francis at the Christmas mass in the Vatican
Photo: VATICAN MEDIA / IPA / imago images / Independent Photo Agency Int.
At Christmas, Pope Francis called on people to be humble.
“Let's not weep for the size that we don't have.
Let's stop whining and long faces and let go of the greed that always leaves us unsatisfied, "said the head of the Catholic Church during Christmas mass in St. Peter's Basilica.
The pontiff preached that people would spend their years chasing success and want to climb onto a pedestal while God shows himself humbly.
The 85-year-old celebrated Christmas Eve again this year under Corona conditions.
In St. Peter's Basilica, around 1,500 believers and church representatives sat around the central papal altar.
Because of the corona requirements, they had to wear masks and keep the minimum distance.
Blessings in times of pandemic
Pope Francis wants to donate his traditional blessing "Urbi et Orbi" (The city and the world) on Christmas Day.
He also wants to announce his Christmas message to the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica, as the Holy See announced.
With the blessing, the Pope releases them from the penalties for their sins.
Usually it is donated at Easter and Christmas - and when a new Pope has been elected.
Last year, Francis had announced the blessing and his message because of the pandemic from the Benediction Hall in the Vatican.
St. Peter's Square was practically empty at the time.
Only a few dozen people were allowed in the auditorium.
Pope Francis is leading the Christmas celebrations in the Vatican for the ninth time this year.
atb
