Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD/VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis has condemned human “hunger for wealth and power” in his message on Christmas, denouncing war, poverty and greedy consumerism.
Addressing worshippers at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, the pontiff criticised those “ravenous” for wealth and power at the cost of the vulnerable, including children, as he recalled the birth of Jesus in a stable. The pope, who entered the church in a wheelchair, presided over the Christmas mass, attended by about 7,000 faithful, including tourists and pilgrims.
“The main victims of wars the weak and the vulnerable,” he said.
He added, “I think above all of the children devoured by war, poverty and injustice.”
“While animals feed in their stalls, human beings, in their hunger for wealth and power, consume even their neighbours, their mothers and sisters,” he said.
Criticism on pope amid Ukraine conflict
During the early phase of Russia’s full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February, the pope was widely criticized by many Ukrainians who viewed his comments as ‘cautious’ and lagging direct blame on Russia.
In June, he remarked that the war was “somehow either provoked or not prevented.” But the Pope later condemned what he described as atrocities committed by Russian forces.
