Pope Francis has called for people to celebrate a "humble" Christmas this year to help those suffering in Ukraine.
Pope Francis wants people to celebrate a 'humble' Christmas to support Ukraine
The pontiff has urged people to cut down on festive spending and focus on "concrete gestures" of charity for Ukrainians during his weekly general audience on Wednesday (14.12.22).
The Pope said: "It's nice to celebrate Christmas and have parties, but let's lower the level of Christmas spending a bit. Let's make a more humble Christmas, with more humble gifts, and let's send what we save to the people of Ukraine who need it."
The Pope has frequently spoked out about the "martyred" people of Ukraine since Russia invaded in February, with The Vatican organising humanitarian deliveries in recent months - including a clothing drive to bring thermal wear to Ukrainians suffering in the punishing winter cold as Vladimir Putin's troops bombard the nation's power supplies.
Francis said: "They are hungry, they are cold, so many die for lack of doctors and nurses. Let's not forget them. Christmas yes, in peace and with the Lord, yes. But with Ukrainians in the heart."
The Pope had recently likened Russia's war in Ukraine to the slaughter of Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II.
Speaking last week at a Holocaust memorial service, the pontiff said: "May the memory of this horrible event arouse intentions and actions of peace in everyone.
"And history is repeating itself. We see now what is happening in Ukraine."
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