A friend of the pope reveals why he asks to pray for him 0:41
(CNN Spanish) -
Pope Francis' Christmas message called the pandemic a "complex crisis" that has put social relations to the test and increased tendencies of isolation.
“Our capacity for social relations is put to the test,” Pope Francis said.
"The tendency to shut down, to fend for oneself, to give up going out, to meet, to collaborate, is reinforced," he added.
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The pandemic has also affected dialogue, in relation to the international conflict, leading people to take "shortcuts rather than take longer paths" for talks, the pontiff said.
"Sisters, brothers, what would the world be without that patient dialogue of so many generous people who have held families and communities together? In this time of pandemic we realize this even more," the pope said Saturday during his traditional speech. "Urbi et Orbi" from the Vatican.
The leader of the Catholic Church spoke from his balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square, from where he traditionally makes his speeches.
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The Pope added that the world has become so used to the immense tragedies that "we hardly even realize it."
He called for an end to conflicts throughout the Middle East and Africa, listing several places, including Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Ethiopia.
"We run the risk of not hearing the cries of pain and despair from many of our brothers and sisters."
Pope Francis greets the faithful gathered during his Urbi et Orbi Christmas blessing in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on December 25, 2021. (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP via Getty Images)
He called on the world to "open your heart" to ensure that necessary medical care, particularly vaccines, is provided to the vulnerable people who need it most.
“God with us, grants health to the sick and inspires all people of good will to find the most appropriate solutions to help overcome the health crisis and its consequences.
Make hearts be generous, to bring needed assistance - and vaccines in particular - to the poorest populations.
It rewards all those who show responsibility and dedication by taking care of their families, the sick and the weakest, "he said.
The 85-year-old pope also used his Christmas message to address violence against women, which he said has increased during the pandemic.
In a speech marking his ninth Christmas as pontiff, the bishop of Rome also highlighted the plight of refugees and migrants.
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“Do not leave us indifferent to the drama of the emigrants, the displaced and the refugees.
Their eyes ask us not to look elsewhere, not to deny the humanity that unites us, to make their stories our own and not forget their dramas. "
The pontiff also led a vigil mass in St. Peter's Basilica on Friday to celebrate Christmas Eve that was attended by about 2,000 people, the director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told CNN.
The number of attendees fell dramatically to about a fifth the size of the pre-pandemic times, due to the increase in coronavirus cases in Italy.
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