In his annual Christmas message from St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, he has denounced and condemned terrorism and the violence that have victimized the many women and children across the world. This address to stop the violence came as millions of Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
This year, more pilgrims have visited Bethlehem which is the biblical place detailing the birth of Jesus Christ. The number of pilgrims heading there to celebrate Christmas is more than any year ever since the 2000 Palestinian uprising.
Benedict XVI has urged political leaders across the world to have the wisdom and the courage to seek the more just and humane solutions to the tensions: ethnic, religious, and the political. He explains that these tensions cause the destruction of the internal fabric of many countries along with embittering international relations.
His address to the world was broadcast on like TV. At the midnight mass, he urged everyone to find time for both God and the needy. A new floodlit Nativity scene was unveiled in front of the basilica.
This new scene was placed in a room in Joseph’s house in Nazareth. According to officials, the change was made to show that Jesus was born everywhere and not just in Bethlehem.
Mahmoud Abbas, a Muslim and president of the Palestinian Authority said that not only Christians were celebrating the festival.
“The new year, God willing, will be a year of security and economic stability,” Abbas said.
Micah Sabbah, the Latin Patriarch and Catholic leader in the Holy Land has also called for peace in the Middle East.