Pope says 'our hearts are in Bethlehem' as he presides over the Christmas Eve mass
ABC News
Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that “the clash of arms even today” prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world."
VATICAN CITY -- Recalling Jesus’ birth in a stable in Bethlehem, Pope Francis in a Christmas Eve homily said that “the clash of arms even today" prevents Jesus “from finding room in the world.”
The pontiff presided Sunday over the evening Mass attended by about 6,500 faithful who took their place amid the splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica behind rows of white-clad prelates.
“Our hearts are in Bethlehem, where the Prince of Peace is once more rejected by the futile logic of war, ” the pope said, referring to the war sparked by Hamas’ deadly Oct. 7 rampage and hostage-taking in Israel.
As Mass began, a statuette of the Christ child was unveiled before the altar bedecked in greenery and white flowers, and children representing all corners of the globe placed flowers around a gilded throne.
Francis, draped in white robes, led the Mass standing at the foot of one of St. Peter’s grand columns.
