Pope Francis has called for a “dialogue” to heal the divided world New Religions

The head of the Catholic Church denounces the growing polarization, praying for the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic in his Christmas speech.

Pope Francis has used his Christmas message to increase personal polarization in personal and international relations, saying that only dialogue can resolve conflicts from family quarrels to war threats.

In his “Urbi et Orbi” (city and world) message on Saturday, Christmas Day, the head of the Catholic Church called on individuals and world leaders to talk to each other instead of stepping on their heels. he said the coronavirus pandemic has worsened.

“Our ability to socialize has been severely tested; there is a growing tendency to withdraw, to do everything on our own, to meet others, and to stop trying to do things together, ”said Francis from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in a damp, windy Rome.

“There is also an international risk of avoiding dialogue, a risk that this complex crisis will lead to shortcuts rather than longer paths to dialogue. However, only these ways can lead to conflict resolution and lasting benefits for all. ” o

Francis, who turned 85 last week, listed conflicts, tensions or crises in Syria, Yemen, Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Ukraine, Sudan, South Sudan and elsewhere.

“We continue to witness many conflicts, crises and disagreements,” he said, speaking from the same balcony where he first appeared to the world as pope after being elected in March 2013.

“It simply came to our notice then. We are so accustomed to them, that horrible tragedies are now passing in silence; We risk not hearing the cries of grief and grief of many of our siblings, ”he said, speaking to a small crowd of hundreds of people who had been reduced to COVID-19 restrictions and weather.

Refugees, the environment and COVID-19

Francis used the word “conversation” 11 times in a more than two-page talk while talking to people gathered under rain parks and umbrellas.

He urged people not to be indifferent to the plight of refugees, migrants, displaced persons, political prisoners and women victims of violence, and urged leaders to protect the environment for future generations.

At St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday night’s Christmas Mass, Francis said that indifference to the poor insults God, and asked everyone to “look beyond all light and adornment” and remember the poorest.

Francis also prayed especially for those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including women and children who have suffered more abuse in the blockades.

He called for “consolation and warmth” for the elderly alone, as well as for health workers who are “generously dedicated” to caring for the sick.

“Give health to the sick and encourage all men and women of good will to look for the best possible ways to overcome the current health crisis and its consequences,” Francis said.

For the second day in a row, Italy set a daily pandemic record on Friday with 50,599 new cases. Another 141 people were killed and the official Italian coronavirus numbered 136,386.

Worldwide, COVID-19 has affected the lives of more than five million people since the pandemic erupted in late 2019.

In the midst of a record rise in COVID cases in Italy this week, only hundreds of people flocked to St. Peter’s Square for Francis’ annual Christmas speech. [Yara Nardi/Reuters]