On Sunday afternoon, December 22, the Holy Father presided over the recitation of the Angelus with the faithful. Because he was suffering from a cold and the weather in Rome was windy and cold at 6 degrees Celsius, the doctors advised him not to go out into the square. Therefore, the Holy Father presided over the recitation of the Angelus at the Casa Santa Marta and it was broadcast live so that the faithful in St. Peter’s Square who were waiting for him could be in communion with him.

Before giving a brief address, the Holy Father said: “I regret not being with you in the Square, but my health is improving and precautions must be taken.”

Catechesis of the Holy Father

Today, the Gospel tells us how Mary, after receiving the message from the Angel, set out in haste to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who was also pregnant (cf. Lk 1:39-45). This is the meeting of two women filled with joy because of the wonderful gift of motherhood: Mary had just conceived Jesus, the Savior (cf. Lk 1:31-35), and Elizabeth, despite her advanced age, was also pregnant with John the Baptist, who would prepare the way for the Messiah (cf. Lk 1:13-17).

Both were filled with joy, but we may feel that they are far away, because these miracles rarely happen in our lives. However, the message that the Evangelist wants to tell us, especially in these days close to Christmas, is different. Contemplating the signs of God’s saving action must never make us feel distant from him, but help us to recognize his presence and his close love, for example through the gift of every life, of every child and of every mother. The gift of life is beautiful. I read in the program “In His Image” a very meaningful sentence:  “No child is a mistake” . The gift of life.

In the Square today there are also mothers with their children, and perhaps some pregnant mothers. Let us not be indifferent to their presence, let us learn to contemplate the beauty of mothers awaiting the birth of their children, like Elizabeth and Mary. Let us bless mothers and praise God for the miracle of life! I remember when I was in my previous diocese, when I was traveling by bus, I loved the sight of a pregnant woman getting on the bus and people giving her their seat: it was a gesture of hope and respect!

Dear brothers and sisters, in these days we like to create a festive atmosphere with lights, decorations and Christmas music. But remember, we rejoice every time we meet a mother who holds her child in her arms or who is pregnant. And when we see this, let us pray in our hearts and say like Elizabeth: “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Lk 1:42); or praise like Mary: “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Lk 1:46). May all motherhood be blessed and in every mother in the world, may the name of God be given thanks and glory to him who has entrusted to men and women the gift of life.

In a moment we will bless the images of the “Child Jesus” – I also brought mine: it was given to me by the Archbishop of Santa Fé, made by the indigenous people of Ecuador. You bring your images of the Child Jesus. So we can ask ourselves: do I thank God for becoming human like us, to share our existence in all things, except sin? Do I praise God and bless him for every child who is born? When I meet a pregnant mother, am I kind to her? Do I support and defend the sacred value of the life of a child from the moment of conception in the mother’s womb?

May Mary, blessed among women, help us to feel wonder and gratitude before the mystery of life that is born.

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After the Angelus, the Holy Father expressed his concern and attention to the news from Mozambique. He wished to repeat to them his message of hope, peace and reconciliation, calling for dialogue and the search for the common good, sustained by faith and good will.

Thinking of the countries torn by war, especially Ukraine, the Holy Father invited everyone to pray that in those places of war, Ukraine, the Holy Land, throughout the Middle East, a ceasefire will be reached by Christmas. The Holy Father said, “I think with pain of Gaza, of the cruelty; of the machine gunning of children, the bombing of schools and hospitals… What cruelty!”

Finally, as is the annual tradition on the last Sunday of Advent, the Holy Father blessed the statues of the Baby Jesus for each person to take home and place in the manger at home.

The Holy Father also reminded young people not to forget the elderly. No one should be left alone during these days.

The Holy Father wishes everyone a good Sunday and please do not forget to pray for him.

Source: Vatican News