Pope Francis Calls for Peace and Love on Christmas Day, While War and Suffering Persist in Gaza

On Christmas Day, families around the world celebrated the holiday with traditions both ancient and new. Pope Francis delivered his annual Christmas message calling for peace and love. In Bethlehem, the Israeli-occupied West Bank city where Christian tradition says Jesus was born, the mood was somber and the streets were deserted.

A nativity scene honoring the victims in Gaza was placed in Manger Square, near the Nativity Church in Bethlehem. Palestinian pastor Munther Isaac said, “If Jesus were to be born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble.” Isaac expressed the feeling of many in the region, saying “It feels that even God is silent.”

The war in Gaza has been ongoing since 2014, with no end in sight. The conflict has caused immense suffering for the people of Gaza, with thousands of civilians killed and injured. The United Nations has warned of a looming humanitarian crisis in the region, with food shortages, lack of access to medical care, and a crumbling infrastructure.

The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, but this year, the holiday was marked by the tragedy of war and the suffering of innocent people. The people of Gaza are in desperate need of peace and security, and the international community must work together to find a lasting solution to the conflict.