Pope and New Archbishop of Canterbury Make Pleas Over Gaza and Immigration in Christmas Sermons
Pope Francis delivered a Christmas Day sermon at the Vatican urging an end to violence in Gaza and Ukraine, invoking the presence of God's tents among the people. He gave the Urbi et Orbi blessing from St. Peter's Basilica after touring the square in the popemobile. In his address, he referenced ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Thailand, Cambodia, and highlighted the suffering of Ukrainians tormented by violence.
Dame Sarah Mullally, the incoming Archbishop of Canterbury and the first woman to lead the Church of England in over 1,400 years, spoke at St Paul’s Cathedral as Bishop of London. Elected in November and set to assume the post in January, she emphasized the divisive nature of conversations about immigration and stressed the importance of common humanity. She also addressed issues including housing pressures and the ethics of assisted dying.
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell recounted his experience during a visit to the Holy Land earlier this year, where he was intimidated by Israeli militias and faced checkpoints that prevented him from visiting Palestinian families in the occupied West Bank.
Additionally, the King’s Christmas message, recorded at Westminster Abbey, is scheduled for broadcast at 3 pm. The King and Royal Family attended church services in Sandringham to mark the occasion.
