Pope decries “famine of peace” || SW NEWS || 680

#ChristmasMessage #PopeFrancis #swnews During his customary Christmas message and Urbi et Orbi blessing from the loggia of St Peter’s Basilica on December 25, the Holy Father decried what he called the “famine of peace” happening in several parts of the world. Ukraine President says Light of Christ would persevere in spite of darkness In his Christmas message to his countrymen, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged them not to give up hope in spite of the fact that the Russian attacks have knocked out the power supply in the country. Despite uptick in Israeli-Palestinian violence, Bethlehem celebrates Christmas with gusto Thousands of believers and visitors descended on the Biblical town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, on December 24 to celebrate His birthday. Refugees, poor and the homeless get sumptuous Christmas Luncheon in Rome The Sant’Egidio Community which is based in Rome prepared Christmas Lunch for hundreds of poor people, the homeless, refugees and the elderly in the backdrop of the Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere. WYD Lisbon 2023 Fondation, Diocesan Organizing Committee raise 30,000 euros for Ukraine The WYD Lisbon 2023 Foundation, which is tasked with organizing the mega youth event in the Portuguese capital next year, has joined hands with the Diocesan Organizing Committee to donate 30,000 euros to support Ukrainian victims of war. Mortal remains of aborted babies get dignified Christian burial in Ecuador The mortal remains of 96 unborn babies were given a Christian burial in the Ecuadorian diocese of Daule last week. Christian leaders in Holy Land decry attacks on religious freedom Church leaders in the Holy Land have decried the increasing attacks against freedom of religion and the mass exodus of young Christians to other countries. Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Need distributes gifts, warm clothes to 44,000 kids in Syria, Lebanon Pontifical charity Aid to the Church in Aid (CAN) has distributed Christmas gifts and warm clothes to 44,000 children in Syria and Lebanon. Actor Kirk Cameroon finally gets permission for story hour for his faith-based kids' book In what is seen as a victory for religious freedom, American actor Kirk Cameroon has been given the opportunity to host a story hour for his faith-based book for children in libraries across New York and Indiana. Section of Ukrainian Orthodox believers celebrates Christmas on Dec. 25 In Ukraine, disputes over the use of the Julian calendar for Church affairs and the ramifications of the war with Russia have led a section of Orthodox believers to celebrate Christmas on December 25, the same day when Catholics celebrate the birth of Our Lord around the world. Poll reveals that most Americans have forgotten true meaning of Christmas In the United States of America, a survey conducted by Ipsos has found that a majority of people have forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina acknowledges Christian contribution While interacting with a group of 200 Bangladeshi Christians, the Prime Minister of the Muslim-majority nation Sheikh Hasina acknowledged the contributions made by believers in nation building.